OCTOBER 2011 OCTOBER

Working with Youth toward sustainable future

Youth as agents of change One Young World 2011 OFID joins UN High-level Group on Sustainable Energy Mozambique: pursuing development of natural and human potential OFID Quarterly is published four times a year by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

OFID is the development finance agency established in January 1976 by the Member States of OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to promote South-South cooperation by extending development assistance to other, non-OPEC developing countries.

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PUBLISHERS

THE OPEC FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (OFID) Parkring 8, P.O. Box 995, A-1010 Vienna, Austria Tel: (+43-1) 515 64-0; Fax: (+43-1) 513 92-38 Email: [email protected] www.ofid.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mauro Hoyer Romero

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Ifeagwu CONTRIBUTORS Reem Aljarbou, Hala El Sayed, Damelys Delgado, Audrey Haylins, Anna Ilaria-Mayrhofer, Silvia Mateyka, Ranya Nehmeh, Ramina Samii, Mojgan Sanandaji, Fatimah Zwanikken

PHOTOGRAPHS Johannes Herberstein (unless otherwise credited) PRODUCTION Susanne Dillinger

DESIGN etage.cc/krystian.bieniek PRINTED IN AUSTRIA Stiepan & Partner Druck GmbH COMMENT

OCTOBER 2011 Working with Youth toward sustainable future 2

SPECIAL FEATURE

Youth as Agents of Change 4 One Young World 10 Voices of Youth, OFID-sponsored delegates speak out 12 Panel Discussion, The Role of Global Business in Society 14 Lindau Foundation holds major meetings 17 OFID Director-General Al-Herbish inducted into Honorary Senate of Lindau Foundation 19 Capacity-building for the youth: a perspective 20

4 OUTREACH Egypt’s blind All-women Chamber Orchestra An-Nour wa l’Amal tours Europe 22 OFID Director-General receives Award from Burkina Faso 23 OFID Diary 24 Meetings attended by OFID 25 136th Governing Board photo gallery 26 Loan signature photo gallery 28 Visitor highlights 30

OFID in the Field 32 Yemen: Educating the young to tackle poverty 34 32 Bolivia: meeting challenges to build a future 36 Mozambique: pursuing development of natural and human potential 38 Palestine: cultivating hope by empowering youth 40 OFID and UNRWA inaugurate new schools for Palestinian refugees 42

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

OFID joins UN Group on Sustainable Energy for All 43 World Water Week, 2011 45 45 From Deauville to Busan: strengthening support for the MENA Region 47 COVER PHOTO: STRIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM More hands to serve the poor On business adaptation and Corporate Social Responsibility 49

MEMBER STATES FOCUS

IR Iran exhibits arts and craft at OFID 51 COMMENT

Working with Youth toward sustainable future

he more than one billion young people at enhancing the quality of both primary and (age 15-24) who live in our world today secondary education, establishing centers of T – most of them in the developing coun- excellence, and building, rehabilitating and tries – are critical to sustainable development expanding schools, universities and research and inclusive growth. They deserve the close institutions, especially for young women. OFID attention and support of development policy also supports technical, technological, and makers and practitioners, worldwide. vocational training for youth – including a Many obstacles remain to be overcome for vocational training and skills development young people in developing countries to realize project in Yemen, and skills training for mar- their full potential. These include unemploy- ginalized youth in the West Bank. ment, poor health, hunger and malnutrition Particular attention is paid to creating and the digital divide. decent employment opportunities for youth in Helping resolve problems facing youth, the farm and off-farm economies of rural areas particularly in the world’s poorest countries, is in the South- in line with the international at the heart of OFID’s development coopera- goals of full and productive employment and tion efforts. Central to these decent work for all. OFID further efforts are investment in capacity OFID invests enhances food security for youth building and vocational training extensively in the by providing access to resources to build knowledge economies education of future including micro-credit; inputs and help the youth meet the generations to help such as seeds and fertilizers, and requirements of an increasingly foster national com- by providing grant support for competitive job market. These petitiveness and emergency food aid and science and related efforts were stepped employment creation. and agricultural technology edu- up in light of the International Year cation in both urban and rural of the Youth, August 12, 2010 – August 11, 2011. areas. In addition to direct support to agricul- In fostering national competitiveness and ture and rural development – amounting to employment creation, OFID invests extensively US$1.5 billion or 16 percent of OFID’s cumula- in the education of future generations through tive public sector lending – OFID invests heav- various public and private sector schemes aimed ily in rural infrastructure, including roads

2 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 COMMENT

and the energy sector, which are essential building, institutional strengthening, techni- for food production and transport, as well as cal support, and measures to support blood private sector growth and employment cre- safety, legal reform, and research and vaccine ation, and Information and Communications development. Technologies (ICTs). Conscious of the impor- Furthermore, OFID sponsors young scien- tance of access to broadband and ICT provision tists and researchers at conferences, workshops for young women and men, OFID is intensify- and similar events, and offers scholarships ing its contributions to improving access to through its special Scholarship Awards. Initia- and use of ICTs for particularly By investing in the health, tives include OFID sponsor- African youth. Activities include ship of 20 young delegates education and computer E-learning on public health in from 20 countries to the First the Gambia and Ghana, in col- literacy of young people, One Young World Summit, Lon- laboration with the World and by offering projects don, February 2010. More Health Organization (WHO). and learning opportunities recently, OFID again spon- OFID is also stepping up its which provide young sored the participation of 25 public and private sector people with crucial skills, young delegates from all devel- financing for the expansion of OFID is working with the oping regions in the second telecommunications – includ- youth of the world to One Young World Summit, ing mobile communications – alleviate poverty. Zurich, Switzerland, Septem- in the South. ber 1-4, 2011. OFID further Poor health remains a major obstacle to sponsored the participation of 66 young econ- empowering and maximizing the potential of omists and researchers from almost 20 develop- youth. Whereas the majority of young people ing countries to attend the July 2011 61st Meet- are healthy, close to two million die each year ing of Nobel Laureates and August 2011 4th from largely preventable causes, including Meeting on Economic Sciences, of the Lindau HIV/AIDS. OFID is a determined partner in the Foundation, Germany. Similar support has been global battle against HIV/AIDS, providing AIDS provided towards the 2009 and 2010 Lindau prevention, treatment, care, and support Meetings, based on the shared ideals and a com- under its Special Grant Account for HIV/AIDS mon vision that human capacity building is Operations. Particular attention is being paid crucial for all societies if they are to escape the to containing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub- vicious circle of illiteracy and poverty. Saharan Africa (SSA), where young women By investing in the health, education, and bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS burden. Activ- computer literacy of young people, and by ities include grant aid to help reduce the offering projects and learning opportunities impact of HIV/AIDS on young people in which provide young people with crucial skills, Namibia in collaboration with UN AMICAALL. OFID is effectively working with the youth of Other areas of assistance are advocacy, capacity the world to alleviate poverty.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 3 SPECIAL FEATURE

Youth as Agents of Change

Some 1.8 billion people across the world or, roughly, a quarter of the world’s population, are youth or young people aged 15 to 24 years. Almost 85 percent of these youth live in developing countries; a popu- lation set to rise to 89.5 percent by 2025. The majority of them live in Asia (62 percent), followed by Africa (17 percent), where population growth will be fastest. The potential of young people in accelerating the process of sustainable growth and development was highlighted during the International Year of the Youth, which covered the period August 12, 2010 to August 11, 2011. by Fatimah Zwanikken

any obstacles remain to be overcome for young people without work reached a record M young people in developing countries to 81.9 million in 2010, or nearly 40 percent of realize their full potential. These include high the world’s total unemployed. unemployment rates, environmental degrada- Although the global employment crisis is tion, poor health, hunger and mal-nutrition, affecting both young men and women around and the digital divide. Resolving these prob- the world, young women are unduly affected lems will require profound economic, political by rising unemployment. Girls and young and social change involving first and foremost women are often disfavored and denied access the youth itself. to employment opportunities. The inability to find decent work can harm a young person’s I. Socially Responsible career prospects, with potentially lifelong im- Entrepreneurship plications in terms of employability and in- Creating productive employment for youth is come, and create a sense of frustration, margin- the most effective way to meet the poverty re- alization, and alienation, exacerbating social duction and related United Nations Millennium problems and political instability associated Development Goals (MDGs), and promote social with high unemployment figures. Even those integration. However, particularly the young young people who are employed are subject to face most difficulties in finding decent work, longer working hours with low productivity and today, more youth are unemployed than and earnings under informal and insecure work ever before. In the aftermath of the global eco- arrangements. About half of the world’s 1.8 bil- nomic and financial crisis, the number of lion youth live on less than US$2 a day.

4 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 PHOTO: GOLDEN PIXELS LLC/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM SPECIAL FEATURE

In 2008, some 152 million young workers or ing countries leave their rural homes in the 28 percent of all young workers in the world hope for a better future in urban areas. Revers- were living with their families on less than ing the massive rural-urban migration trend by US$1.25 a day. investing in agriculture and creating new em- The international goal of full and productive ployment opportunities for youth in small- employment as well as decent work for all remains holder agriculture and off-farm economies of a distant dream for millions of youth, worldwide. rural areas in the South is key for creating Despite efforts by national governments to diver- vibrant rural economies in the South, and sify the economy and create private sector boosting food security. growth and employment opportunities, unem- III. Environmental Protection ployment figures remain highest in the Middle East (25.1 percent) and North Africa (23.6 per- In countries where population growth is rapid cent), followed by Central and South-Eastern and poverty endemic, young people are partic- Europe and the CIS (18.9 percent), and Devel- ularly vulnerable to the consequences of envi- oped Economies and the EU (18.2 percent)1. ronmental degradation, including problems of Problems of high youth unemployment food and water security. The largest population were discussed in the September 2011 One increases and the most fragile environmental Young World – a global youth leadership sum- conditions are found in SSA, where 70 percent mit bringing together 1,200 delegates prima- lives in rural areas and makes a living from agri- rily under 25 from over 170 countries spread culture and forest resources. The majority of across the world. At the Summit, the majority the rural poor, including youth, has no choice of youth opined that youth unemployment but to overexploit their low-potential land should be addressed mainly through socially through low-input and low-productivity agri- responsible business – rather than state interven- cultural practices (overgrazing, soil-mining, tion or the private sector – particularly through deforestation), which leads to land degradation. social business facilitated by innovations in in- Today, about 40 percent of the world’s formation and communications technologies arable land is degraded. Pressures on land and (ICTs) and social media networking. fresh water resources are likely to mount as the world’s population swell from about 7 billion II. Sustainable Food Production today to 9.1 billion by 2050. The limit of new Many young people enter adolescence under- land available for agricultural production thus nourished, and are unable to reach their full po- is an additional concern for food security. Man- tential because of poverty-related hunger and made environmental disasters and crises ema- poor health. The ongoing food and climate nating from climate change further aggravate change crises, rapid population growth, land- land degradation. As a result, agricultural pro- degradation, and a systematic neglect of invest- ductivity drops even more, water quantity and ment in agriculture are exacerbating existing quality recedes, public health deteriorates, liv- food security problems in the South, making ing standards and the quality of life decline, food out of reach for many more young men and progress towards the eight poverty reduc- and women, and reversing progress towards the tion and related MDGs is seriously delayed. first MDG of halving the number suffering from Many young people are seriously con- hunger and malnutrition by 2015 (MDG1). cerned about the sustainability of the environ- Without investment in modern, science-inten- ment, and determined to tackle the challenges sive commercial agricultural systems, develop- of environmental degradation and climate ing countries cannot reach their full capacity, change though novel responses. Encouraging and many youth in the South will continue to sustainable lifestyles and production methods struggle to increase food production using low- by raising environmental awareness among productivity practices. youth, including through food security and cli- About half of the world’s youth currently mate change mitigation and adaptation pro- works in the agricultural sector. However, grams, is an important first step towards con- rather than becoming the farmers of tomorrow, structive change. Youth will also need to be many poor young women and men in develop- involved in the negotiations of the successor agreement to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate

1 Global Employment Trends 2011 (2010 estimates), Inter- change, which expires end 2012, and the national Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva RIO+20 Summit in June 2012.

6 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

Global trends in youth unemployment Youth unemployment rate in percent

Sub-Saharan Africa 2009 12 1998 14 North Africa 2009 24 1998 27 Middle East 2009 23 1998 23 Latin America 2009 14 and Caribbean 1998 16 South Asia 2009 10 1998 9 South-East Asia 2009 15 and Pacific 1998 12 East Asia 2009 9 1998 9 Central and South-Eastern 2009 21 Europe (non EU) and CIS 1998 23 Developed economies 2009 18 and European Union 1998 14 World 2009 13 1998 12

Source: International Labour Organization, Global Trends in Youth Employment, ILO, Geneva, 2010, Annex 1, Table A5.

IV. Universal Energy Access emerged as a major bottleneck particularly for Virtually no industrial or agricultural produc- youth in most African countries. With a popu- The international goal tion can take place without access to safe and af- lation of about one billion people – a number of full and productive expected to almost double by 2050 – per capita fordable energy – the missing “ninth” MDG, employment as well as electricity consumption is one of the lowest in and a fourth factor of production. Yet, some decent work for all 2.5 billion people worldwide are energy poor, the world, and 70 percent the population is not having to rely on traditional biomass such as fu- connected to a power grid. The situation in SSA remains a distant dream elwood, charcoal or crop residues for cooking, is most worrisome. Unless decisive steps are for millions of youth, agro-processing and heating, and over 1.4 bil- taken, the number of people without electricity worldwide. lion people lack access to electricity. Energy in SSA will rise from 526 million in 2002 to poverty is a major stumbling block with far- 584 million in 2030, or about half the 1.2 billion reaching implications for the lives of millions poor people worldwide that will still lack of youth, hindering sustainable socio-eco- access to electricity two decades from now. nomic growth and development in the South, As we approach the year 2012 as the Inter- and obstructing efforts to reach the poverty national Year of Sustainable Energy for All, deci- reduction and related UN-MDGs. Instead of sive and concerted action will need to be taken young people – usually girls – going to school or towards the international goals of: (i) universal university, they have to spend hours collecting energy access, (ii) doubling the rate of Energy firewood to heat their homes and cook. They Efficiency improvement, and (iii) doubling the also do not have refrigerators, let alone comput- share of Renewable Energy in the global mix. ers for social networking with their peers and/or Multi-faceted and innovative solutions involv- academic work assignment. If young people are ing youth at all levels will be needed in finance, able to study at all, they can only do so and dur- technology and governance to mobilize the ing daylight hours because they have no light vast resources required to meet the projected to study by at night. increase in global energy demand, estimated at The situation could worsen as energy US$20 trillion through 2030, in addition to demand rises in tandem with rapid population some US$665 billion to achieve a 100 percent growth. Access to modern energy services has electrification rate by 2030.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 7 SPECIAL FEATURE

V. Gender Balance whose potential as both agents and beneficiaries Equality for women and girls is not only a ba- of change must be fully realized to achieve inclu- sic human right, but also smart economics with sive growth, and accelerate sustainable devel- a multiplier effect on sustainable development. opment. The right to education of every young Girls and young women constitute about half person is embodied in the 1948 UN Universal of all youth, and possess a huge untapped po- Declaration of Human Rights, and the second tential. Developing and maximizing this po- MDG of achieving universal primary education Education is a most tential is central to achieving the MDGs, and all (UPE) by 2015. important tool for other internationally agreed development goals Broad-based access to quality education is strengthening the role (IADGs). Gender equality is the third MDG, and essential to build knowledge-based economies, of women in society integral as such for achieving MDG 4 and 5 of create employment opportunities, raise national productivity and establish stable, prosperous, by raising awareness reducing the infant, under-five and maternal mortality rates, and for halting HIV/AIDS healthy and equitable societies. However, for and participation, (MDG6). More than a third (38 percent) of all many youth in the South, development con- and by creating job girls in developing countries is married before straints limit access to resources, education and opportunities. age 18, and one in seven girls is married before training. Consequently, more than 100 million age 15. Adolescent women account for about young people in developing countries – 55 per- 16 million births each year or 11 percent of all cent of them girls – do not attend school, and births worldwide, and pregnancy- and child nearly 140 million young people are illiterate. Il- birth-related complications are the number one literacy, poverty, and underdevelopment jeop- death cause of girls aged 15-19 worldwide. ardize growth prospects in particularly the Women continue to face gender biases in world’s poorest countries, perpetuating the vi- markets and institutions governing endow- cious cycle of poverty and inequality from one ments of human and physical capital, and ac- generation to another. cess to economic opportunities. Education is To break the vicious cycle of poverty and the most important tool for strengthening the underdevelopment, it is essential for young men role of women in society by raising awareness and women in urban and rural areas to stay in and participation, and by creating job opportu- school until they can read and write. Starting at nities. However, girls’ primary school enroll- the secondary school level, education and train- ment and completion rates are below 50 per- ing should be based on the changing skills re- cent in most poor countries, and 63 percent of quirements and job opportunities of labour the one billion illiterate adults are women. markets, which are undergoing profound struc- Young women also face more difficulty in find- tural transformations as a result of globalisation, ing work than young men, and continue to re- technological innovation, and shifts in con- ceive lower remuneration for work of equal sumer demand. In particular, youth should be value across all sectors. prepared to become successful social entrepre- To lift gender biases and empower girls neurs in an increasingly interdependent and and young women, both formal (laws and reg- competitive world through tailor-made educa- ulations) and informal institutions (norms and tion and vocational training. Unless national values) governing the status of women and education systems adjust to generate a skilled men in key areas of economic and social life and balanced labour force that can confidently need to change. Particular attention should be face the requirements for productivity in the 21st paid to expanding outreach and providing in- century, youth will conflict increasingly with centives to poor young women from ethnic socio-economic realities. minorities, and girls and women living in re- mote areas. VII. Information and Communication Technologies VI. Education for All As creative users and best promoters of Informa- Education is directly related to national com- tion and Communication Technologies (ICTs), petitiveness, economic performance, standards young men and women are key contributors to of living, health, poverty levels, and environ- bridging the global digital divide – or highly un- mental sustainability. Developed countries’ equal access to and use of ICTs – building an greatest assets are their young women and men, inclusive information society, and developing

8 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE the telecommunications sector. ICTs can en- Conclusion hance access to education; promote literacy, Today’s youth represent 1.8 billion hopes for a awareness, and dialogue; help develop knowl- future that works for all. The commitment of edge-based economies, and create business op- youth to a united world deserves the strong portunities, and are essential as such for sus- support of national policy and decision mak- tainable socio-economic development and ers, and the global community at large. Efforts poverty reduction. Social media tools such as should therefore be re-doubled to strengthen Facebook and Twitter are used for communica- the global partnership for development (MDG8), Today’s youth represent tion and coordination among the youth, con- which remains at a crossroad, and which is key 1.8 billion hopes for a tributing to global awareness, and a sense of for reaching the remaining seven MDGs by the future that works for all. global citizenship and solidarity. 2015 deadline. Fostering communication and The commitment of However, while globalization and techno- dialogue with youth as drivers and primary youth to a united world logical innovation offer new opportunities for beneficiaries of change is vital if the global deserves the strong sup- some, it can also deepen the digital divide and partnership for development is to provide a exacerbate existing inequalities and disparities. comprehensive and international enabling port of national policy The importance of access to new technologies- environment for the MDGs. and decision makers, and particularly ICTs – for bridging the digital di- A wide range of innovative and integrated the global community vide and reducing poverty is recognized in approaches are required to create decent em- at large. MDG8 (strengthening the global partnership ployment opportunities for youth, and help for development). Additional investments will them prepare for a rapidly changing global be required to reduce disparities in the distri- economy, and increasingly competitive global bution and use of ICTs, which remains a major labor market. Unless we harness the potential challenge particularly to youth living in re- of youth through investment in education and mote rural areas of the South. decent jobs, the result could be socially dam- aging alienation, marginalization, alcohol and VIII. An AIDS-Free Generation drugs abuse, human trafficking, disease, crim- Large youthful populations are an asset for de- inality, violence, and political instability. Be- veloping countries, and should have the op- yond negative social outcomes and undue portunity to participate fully in economic, so- human suffering, this would come at great eco- cial, and political life. Whereas the majority of nomic productivity and financial losses, young people are healthy, 1.8 million or one amounting to billions of dollars. tenth of all youth die each year from largely Until recently, youth has been largely preventable causes. The health-related MDG5 overlooked in development policies and strate- of a 75 percent reduction in maternal mortal- gies. Today, a global consensus is gradually ity and universal access to reproductive health, emerging that investing in youth is smart in- and MDG6 of halting and beginning to reverse vestment, and that fulfilling the potential of the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015 are most rele- youth can yield high dividends for inclusive vant to the health of youth, especially young economic growth and sustainable develop- women. Adolescent women are about 2.5 times ment to the benefit of this generation, and more likely to be infected with HIV/AIDS than many future generations to come. men: of the 5.4 million youth living with HIV in 2008, 58.5 percent were female. Among young people living with HIV, some 80 percent or 4.3 million live in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Since HIV/AIDS has a long incubation period, its impact is gradual, and its full effects will be felt for decades to come. Unless adequate inter- ventions are made backed by strong leadership and sustained financing, the virus will con- tinue its relentless spread. Stronger and con- certed measures are needed to turn the epi- demic around, and ensure that the next gener- ation can be free of the scourges of HIV/AIDS.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 9 SPECIAL FEATURE

One Young World Agents of Change

What will the structure of the globe and international relations look like in the future? What opportunities for work, education and peaceful interactions would exist in the future? What additional threats will there be? Are social media changing the world? What are the young interested in? How do we empower the leaders

of tomorrow? by Reem Aljarbou and Ranya Nehmeh

10 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

O FID was, this year, once again a part of the spend it, it’s gone. However, in a social busi- Time Change One Young World (OYW) summit which ness, you invest your dollar and it accumulates Mind Change took place September 1-4 in Zurich, Switzer- over time to produce more dollars. It recycles land. One Young World is the premier global itself.” This initiative – Time Change forum for young people of leadership caliber. It A “Women Up Panel” drew crowds at the Mind Change – started by One aims at connecting and bringing together the Summit. At the session, Ms. Fatima Bhutto Young World is aimed to en- courage the leaders of the world young, bright and best to air their concerns, stated: “It’s not about gender; it’s about the to rethink their actions in one opinions and probable solutions. Communica- quality of leadership. Women fight for a lot of hour. The thinking behind it is tion technologies, especially social networking things. But while we fight, we must ensure that that leading politicians make mediums such as Twitter and Facebook took a we fight ethically. Gender can never be a substi- decisions every day – decisions central role this time as powerful tools to tute for ethics.” that determine our future – network and proffer solutions to the central As OFID stands on the cusp of a new decisions that are right – but issues examined. More than 1,200 youth, decade and looks towards the future, reality also decisions that are too hasty. drawn from roughly 170 countries, participated becomes to take responsibility in creating a So, to tell them to rethink their at the Summit. world of opportunity where progress is equi- decisions, the world is putting The questions above were exhaustively table, accessible and sustainable. OFID believes its clocks back by one hour on discussed at the One Young World Summit, that poverty alleviation lies at the heart of a 30 October (6 November in the USA). That’s one extra hour 2011. Young people on the rise questioned and brighter future for all and is, thus, strongly com- gained. One hour to reflect on exhibited the brave new world they envisaged mitted to supporting delegates to One Young things. To contemplate deci- for themselves and the energy and inspiration World, ensuring that some of the developing sions. To correct mistakes and they bring to bear as they interact in a global- world’s most promising young leaders are to take the opportunity and tell ized digital world. exposed to international cooperation and for- politicians which of their deci- These leaders of tomorrow are applying ward-looking action like never before; an expe- sions you don’t agree with. different measurements at tackling global issues rience which they can bring back to their com- and have begun to challenge the status quo by munities. In line with support to promote creating new models and solutions. The Zurich capacity building, especially towards youth, Summit was clearly bigger, brighter and louder OFID sponsored 25 talented leaders from devel- than the earlier inaugural summit, held last oping and Member Countries to attend this year in London. For three days, the world’s Summit. leading and most established personalities, along with the rest of the connected world, heard the voices of youth presenting the changes they envisage for their future. Wake Up Call Respected “Counselors,” selected by the youth and seen as “the leaders of today,” Inspired by Bob Geldof’s speech during the guided the over 1,200 young delegates repre- Opening Ceremony of the One Young World senting 170 countries. Their powerful and pas- Summit, six OYW delegates from around the sionate messages created a buzz-filled floor dur- ing the Summit. A dynamic and energized world officially launched a wakeup call with a Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu stated at the short presentation during the OYW Closing Ceremony. This is a opening ceremony: “You are all remarkable, platform for action and reference point of motivation for all youth. because you dream.” Humanitarian and Aid Is Facebook changing the world? Young leaders to engage with one Activist Bob Geldof cheered on the delegates with fervor at the Opening Ceremony. He told another. It is a movement for change, for people to step up and them: “I love to be here because I want to see demand action... beginning now and culminating on 2102012 (Feb- what you are going to do.” ruary 21, 2012) with a mass call for collaborative global efforts to Other leaders presented tangible solutions effect good. Imagine millions of people, all over the world, uniting for the future challenges of young leaders in their pursuit of a better world. Nobel Peace Prize under one goal, one idea, one statement on the same day. Imag- Laureate Muhammed Yunus, Founder of the ine governments, corporations, communities and individuals hear- Grameen Bank, spoke about the life of a dollar. ing one message: “This is a Wakeup Call”. “In a charity, it has a short life span. Once you

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 11 SPECIAL FEATURE Voices of Youth OFID-sponsored delegates speak out.

Yohannis Mitiku Tobo, 23yrs from Ethiopia “Prior to this event, I didn’t know much about my role in this world, now after the summit I understand that I am one of the young on whom this planets puts its hopes. Now, I know I can change this world together with the other young people. I finally have a great vision of my future.”

Mehdi Nassih, Cristina Lopez Guevara, 21yrs from Morocco 24yrs from El Salvador “The generosity your organization has “I feel truly blessed to have been a part of showed in its different activities in the this project and I’m very grateful to OFID developing countries has inspired me to for believing in young leadership in Latin help others and give back to my com- America. I am planning to work more on munity. I hope one day I will be able to women’s visibility in El Salvador, by pro- inspire young leaders make a change in filing accomplishments of women leader- their countries as you have just inspired ship in my weekly column in the newspa- me.” per. I was deeply moved by the Women’s “OFID did not just pay for the 25 Up Session. It was also very inspiring to Priviledge Cheteni, people they sponsored; they also learn from other female role models.” 26yrs from Zimbabwe showed great appreciation for the proj- “I will use the experience and knowledge ects we were all working on. I was very gained at this event and further the biogas happy to realize that the Director-Gen- project which I am working on and which eral of OFID and the young creative I expect will empower a lot of rural areas minds working for this organization people who do not have the energy source. know everything about the people they I will put what I have leaned into practice sponsored and their projects. I was even for I believe it is through words that action happier to get from Mr. Al-Herbish his becomes the determinant factor in em- feedback about my project during the powering every community. Poverty can dinner they organized for us.” be truly eradicated in the next generation” “This summit gave me the opportu- nity to learn about the activities of OFID in the developing countries. It is very in- spiring for the young people of today to Maidelyn Barrera Martinez, see that this organization is investing in 22yrs from Guatemala some development project in the sub-Sa- “I was inspired by young people who are haran Africa, in Asia and Latin America. giving their lives to serve people who are After their presentation during the first in need, and I hope to do the same in my day of the event, the delegates got ex- country, Guatemala. As a developing cited about their projects and realized country which has a lot of needs in areas that there is a chance for all of them to of hunger, poverty and violence, I hope realize their dreams as well and see their to leave my mark by being a different countries in a better situation.” person.”

12 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

Nouf Al-Abbas, 24yrs from Saudi Arabia “Prior to the Summit, I had partnered up with two of my friends and started up a business. One Young World has inspired me to twist our business and turn it into a socially responsible business. I decided that with my portion of the profits we would be invested in a social business to build an autism center in Saudi Arabia after meeting a young delegate who was autistic and was truly inspirational to me.” Keomorakot Mam Clark, Scarlett Piantini, 23yrs from Cambodia 24yrs from Dominican Republic “To me, OYW is a unique international “The one thing I will take away from this forum which enables me to make peace Summit is the importance of starting with the World, unite with people from somewhere. It is essential to turn our different religions, backgrounds, races, ideas into actions, even if they are minute perspectives and personalities. And this and may not be as ambitious as we’d like summit brings up different global issues them to be. So, I will try and apply that and teaches us in different ways. I have to myself. Overall, this experience gen- learned how to share, love and forgive.” uinely marked me and gave me the push to want to get involved in my research in- terests and to try and do something about corruption.” Susan Ifeagwu, 21yrs from Nigeria The Summit reminded me that everyone has a story to share. Be it a project they are leading, projects they are part of, or simply experiences that they have had over time. It was a great opportunity to meet different wonderful people of countless cultures and beliefs. Francis McLean Rodriguez, 24yrs from Honduras “I will utilize the network of amazing young people equally interested in work- James Alcime, 21yrs from Haiti ing on the environment and can support “The best way I can use my experience my work. These are people with lots of out- and knowledge gained is by taking standing ideas and initiatives to deal with action. I want to engage myself to take the other topics we are addressing. The action with my projects in Haiti and by event gave me a broader sense of how the my actions I can inspire other fellow topic of the environment is being ad- Haitian young leaders to know that we dressed worldwide and which aspects I can bring change and create a better could improve upon.” future in Haiti.”

List of OFID Sponsored Delegates: Abdel Rahman Alzorgan, 21yrs from Jordan; Madina Bahretdinova, 24yrs from Tajikistan; Hanh Vu, 24yrs from Vietnam; Januka Dulal, 24yrs from Bhutan; Scarlett Piantini, 24yrs from Dominican Republic; Maidelyn Barrera Martinez, 22yrs from Guatemala; Francis McLean Rodriguez, 24yrs from Honduras; Takum Cliford Ticha, 26yrs from Cameroon; Yohannis Mitiku Tobo, 23yrs from Ethiopia; Butul Taufik, 22yrs from Libya; Danya Bashir Hobba, 20yrs from Libya; Mehdi Nassih, 21yrs from Morocco; Priviledge Cheteni, 26yrs from Zimbabwe; Sanita Suhartono, 23yrs from Indonesia; Sarah AlFayez, 24yrs from Saudi Arabia; Mayokun Taiwo, 19 from Nigeria; Nouf Al-Abbas, 24yrs from Saudi Arabia; Susan Chinelo Ifeagwu, 21yrs from Nigeria; Keomorakot Mam, 23yrs from Cambodia; Gifty Pearl, 27yrs from Ghana; Lucia Valencia Dongo, 20yrs from Peru; Cristina Lopez Guevara, 24yrs from El Salvador; James Alcime, 21yrs from Haiti.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 13 SPECIAL FEATURE Panel Discussion: The Role of Global Business in Society

Al-Herbish: I believe the The Director-General, Mr. Suleiman Al-Her- ing the same income which is not true.” Mr. 8th MDG, to develop a bish participated in the Panel Discussion, the Al-Herbish pointed out that almost half of the global partnership for Role of Global Business in Society on the first day world – over three billion people – live on less development, is your of the One Young World Summit following the than US$2.50 a day and approximately 790 mil- Business Plenary Session. The session partici- lion people in the developing world are still responsibility, the youth pants included Guler Sabanci, Chairman chronically undernourished. “These are the of today, where you have Sabanci Holdings; Graeme Sweeney, Chairman, people we need to think of when considering influence and show how Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP) and Executive how our future can be changed.” you can work together. Vice President CO2 Shell International Petro- Mr. Al-Herbish then revealed that a review leum Company Ltd.; Dirk Hoke, CEO Siemens; of the New International Economic Order which Paul Polman, Global CEO Unilever; Antony was agreed upon back in the 1970s has not Jenkins, CEO, Barclays Global Banking. The ses- yielded as many benefits as were envisaged. sion was facilitated by Vassi Naidoo, Head of More recently, the eight Millennium Develop- International Markets Group, Deloitte. ment Goals agreed upon to battle poverty and The Director-General began his interven- raise living standards by 2015, are yet to exhibit tion by recognizing that the Summit’s focus is progress in some poor countries. He described to gather Young People; who are faced with ma- present-day arrangements that are not quite ad- jor challenges and who face the solution to its equate and said poverty alleviation should not future. He stated that the backdrop to his points be left to governments, international institu- are people living in poverty. Said the Director- tions and corporations and businesses alone. General: “If you want to define poverty, do not Mr. Al-Herbish said “I believe the 8th MDG, to listen to economists. The per capita is a myth. develop a global partnership for development, The per capita income as a measurement of is your responsibility, the youth of today, where wealth is … just dividing the value by the pop- you have influence and show how you can ulation and you assume that people are receiv- work together”.

14 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

One of the elements he raised was that for decades, the involvement of profit-oriented businesses in social causes was limited in scope If you can’t Tweet it, don’t Ask it and scale. During this period, non-profit organ- izations such as OFID, together with govern- 19,000 followers on Twitter ments filled the gap. However, Al-Herbish stressed that no one expects corporations to MalMcLoughlin Mallory McLoughlin single-handedly solve society’s problems or pick up the bill for doing so. However, he ex- Todays biggest probs are terrorism, poverty, corruption plained that social responsibility is the core & they’re all related – OFID director #oyw business of OFID. “The difference between us http://yfrog.com/g03altj 2 Sep and corporations is that even during the finan- AlandaKariza Alanda Kariza cial crisis, we at OFID stood by our Partner Countries and their needs even more”. The world is in need for a #9 MDG: Alleviate energy The Director-General also focused on poverty (which kills 1.5m ppl a year) – OFID #oyw OFID’s commitment to human capacity build- melimuses Melina B. ing, saying that education and knowledge are the foundations for a stable, prosperous and eq- Really interesting presentation by @ofid – eliminating uitable global society. He told the audience that energy povery in local #armenian communities OFID took it as a duty to foster the develop- (cc @whoisromeo) #oyw 1 Sep ment of young people through a number of allycepinchback Allyce Pinchback ways. He mentioned OFID’s Scholarship Pro- gram for students from developing countries Great project by OFID to eliminate energy poverty. Imagine and the sponsorship of the attendance of young life without electricity. It’s a reality according to #OYW professionals, scientists and researchers at con- delegate from Chad. ferences, workshops and similar events. jRENEEmusicj RENEÉ Mr. Al-Herbish concluded by stating that the focus needs to be on complementing OFID caters to the needs of it’s countries to fight strengths, creating partnerships in a win-win #energypoverty. Get up on it. 1 Sep proposition. He stressed that society stood to ElliottV Elliott Verreault gain if a solution is found to the problem of poverty. OFID talking about need for 9th MDG: Reducing Energy Poverty at @OneYoungWorld #OYW ofid.org OFID Presentation FelipeVD Felipe ValenciaDongo Before the official opening of the Summit, the OYW organizers had arranged a Tell Me Day Energy Poverty: The missing MDG according which gave the opportunity to selected organ- to OFID #oyw 1 Sep isations to present their work. The event began erinschrode Erin Schrode with the presentation of OFID. One life, but we’re not the same; we have to carry one another. Map of where OFID works! They collaborate with others OFID’s representatives, Ms. Reem Aljar- to work on #MDGs worldwide in these areas specifically. bou, Information Officer, and Ms. Ranya #oyw http://yfrog.com/18lyhvj 1 Sep Nehmeh, Human Resources Officer, began the presentation of OFID by quoting the singer @OneYoungWorld One Young World Bono, of the famous music group U2. The mes- @OPEC’s Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish „When you want sage highlighted “how we should all think of our- to define poverty don’t listen to the economists.“ #oyw selves as one, a humanity that is collective, unified #fixbusiness and together.” This allowed the young audience to immediately identify with the OFID presen- OFID_Opec_Fund OFID ters and enabled a lively and interactive presen- Mr. Al-Herbish is explaining to OYW delegates that Terrorism, tation. Poverty and Corruption are the three big global problems. The OFID representatives briefly discussed 2 SepFavoriteRetweetReply the concept and origin of sustainable develop- ment, and how it comprises the three pillars of social progress, economic growth and

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 15 SPECIAL FEATURE

environmental protection. The audi- die prematurely from indoor use of tradi- ence was then introduced to the institu- tional biomass.

PHOTO: OYW tion’s goals, objectives and activities. The The OFID presentation went on to Millennium Development Goals were show a video of the institution’s work in also highlighted along with their impor- Armenia. “There is no other way to tell you tance in reducing global poverty levels. who we are than to introduce you to a live ex- The presenters reiterated that all OFID’s ample of what Energy Poverty means to peo- projects target these goals. The presenta- ple.” The video highlighted a project co-fi- tion went on to illustrate that, as OFID nanced by OFID and IFAD in 2009 called along with other international institu- the ‘Farmer Market Access Program’ in tions realized, one of the missing MDGs is which OFID’s role was to improve gas Energy Access. OFID thus began to work connectivity in regions that were in dire with others toward the Alleviation of En- need, and how, as a result, it completely ergy Poverty. “We believe that without this changed people’s lives in that region. goal, none of the eight MDGs can be achieved During the Q&A Session, many ques- sustainably, which is why we refer to Energy tions were asked mainly related to OFID’s Poverty as the 9th missing MDG.” Energy Poverty Initiative. The focus on En- Some energy poverty statistics were ergy Poverty set the tone for the rest of highlighted to further reinforce the mes- the day, and follow-up presentations also Nehmeh: The concept and origin sage: over 1.6 million deaths per year oc- addressed this issue. of sustainable development embrace cur from burning biomass indoors due to Ms. Aljarbou and Ms. Nehmeh con- the three pillars of social progress, emissions – 44 percent of those deaths are cluded on a final note: “We at OFID really believe in efforts that are aimed at capacity economic growth and envivron- children and 60 percent of adult deaths are women. Energy Poverty kills more building which is why we lend our support to mental protection. than malaria and tuberculosis combined events such as this, the One Young World, to and every day more than 4,300 humans ensure that your voices are heard.”

Draft Resolutions Environment: We call upon One Young World Delegates to prove to our business leaders that and Calls to Action becoming carbon neutral is good for business, and failing to see a commitment towards carbon footprint Global Business: We call upon One Young World reduction by a company, to withdraw our support from 2011, to create the One Young World List of the com- these businesses. panies that we believe are transparent in their efforts to, Global Health: We call upon One Young World and effective in, delivering ethical employment and train- Delegates to withdraw support from governments or ing in developing nations and take all possible steps to political parties, and using their networks and social create awareness of the list. media networks to publicize this withdrawal, until such Media: We call upon One Young World Delegates to time as they prove their commitment to the Millennium go to governments and request that they explain their Development Goals for health. media policies and publish and publicize their govern- Leadership: We call upon One Young World Dele- ment’s response using social media. gates to challenge their national governments to de- Interfaith Dialogue: We call upon One Young velop and to pass legislation to facilitate transparency World Ambassadors to approach their governments and to withdraw their support from governments, and religious leaders and ask them to sign up to the Miss- organizations and individuals proven to be adverse to ing Millennium Development Goal and publish and pub- transparency, independent scrutiny and to publicize all licize refusals and reasons for refusal. such instances.

16 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

Lindau Foundation holds major meetings OFID conspicuously present

by Anna Ilaria-Mayrhofer

he Lindau Foundation (Foundation “pass on the torch.” They provide an in- This year, OFID sponsored 66 young re- T Lindau) was founded in the year ternationally-recognized forum for the searchers and economists from 26 develop- 2000. It works to educate, inspire and transfer of knowledge between genera- ing countries to attend the two prestigious connect. Ranking personalities from the tions of scientists. meetings of the Foundation held in Lindau, worlds of science, politics and industry Germany. This represented the 3rd consecu- belong in the Foundation’s Honorary Global support tive year that OFID has provided backing so Senate in recognition of their commit- The work of the Foundation (and Lindau that exceptional individuals could experi- ment to scientific excellence and the en- Council) is made possible by the support ence what was described by an OFID-spon- couragement of young researchers. To- of companies, associations, foundations sored participant as a “once in a lifetime” gether, these scientific leaders work for and private patrons, and by German fed- opportunity. „Mission Education.“ Their annual meet- eral and state ministries, as well as the Eu- The first of the two gatherings was ings, in the words of Foundation mem- ropean Commission. OFID has supported the 61st Meeting of Nobel Laureates dedicated bers, serve to inspire and motivate Laure- international efforts garnered to promote to Physiology or Medicine, which held from ates and global “best talents” and also to this work. June 26 to July 1. Some 25 Nobel

Group photograph. Nobel Prize Laureates present at the 4th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 17 OFID Director-General Laureates and roughly 570 young researchers the largest gathering of Laureates ever for a sci- Al-Herbish and Professor from 80 countries convened at this extraordi- entific conference. This year, OFID sponsorship Wolfgang Schürer, nary event. The program itself comprised in- was extended to 34 outstanding individuals. Chairman of the Lindau terdisciplinary platform discussions and lec- An OFID delegation, led by Director-Gen- tures given by the Nobel Laureates, who shared eral Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, attended the Foundation (center), with not only their own personal experiences and second Lindau meeting; the 4th Meeting on Eco- some of OFID-sponsored passion for their work, but also offered advice to nomic Sciences which took place August 23 to delegates at the 4th Lindau the young scientists, such as the importance of 27. During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Al-Her- Meeting on Economic good teamwork and mentoring and staying bish was inducted into the Honorary Senate of Sciences. motivated, even in the face of failed experi- the Lindau Foundation (see box). OFID spon- ments; in themselves, a valuable learning expe- sored 32 young economists to participate in the rience. meeting, which was attended by 17 Economics Turning the Tables, which was initially in- Laureates and some 360 researchers/young troduced in the form of a pilot session in 2010, economists from 65 countries. Meetings in eco- was also featured this year. The session was cre- nomic sciences are held every three years. ated to enable young scientists to “share the stage” with some of the Nobel Laureates and Selection process have the unique opportunity to engage in in- It is no mean feat to be selected from the pool of formal discussions. prospective candidates to attend the Nobel Lau- reate meetings. Young researchers must go Closing discussions through an extensive multi-step selection The Closing Panel Discussion focused on the is- process, where a global network of around 200 sue of Global Health. The scientific meetings Academic Partners are charged with identify- take place annually at the end of June, alter- ing highly-talented individuals for nomina- nating each year between the disciplines of tion. The network includes national Academies physics/chemistry and medicine/physiology. of Science, ministries, research institutions, Every five years, interdisciplinary meetings are top-ranking universities, foundations and in- held covering all three natural sciences; ternational scientific organizations. The fortu- namely, physics, chemistry and physiology or nate few who make the shortlist are presented medicine. The 2010 meeting, at which OFID to the review panel of the Nobel Laureate Meet- sponsored the participation of 45 young scien- ings. Out of approximately 1,500 profiles, the tists from Arab and developing countries, was top 500 applicants receive an invitation to

18 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

Lindau. It is estimated that over 20,000 young researchers apply to attend each meeting. Thus, there is little wonder why the Lindau Founda- tion refers to the chosen candidates as “the bud-

ding scientific elite.” PHOTO: ROLF SCHULTES Inspiring and connecting In order to ensure that the newly-forged net- works established among participants at the meetings remain active, the Council and Foun- dation created a Lindau community platform on ResearchGate, the “largest academic online platform for scientists.” ResearchGate combines some of the features of popular social network- ing sites with scientific databases. Thus, not only can fellow alumni maintain contact and continue to inspire one another, they can col- laborate on their research efforts, share docu- ments and articles, and offer advice, as well as join interest-based groups. Participants reflect OFID Director-General Al-Herbish inducted Reflecting on their experience at the meetings, OFID-sponsored participants agreed that, with- into Honorary Senate of Lindau Foundation out a doubt, the highpoint for them was the th opportunity to interact with the Nobel Laure- During the 4 Meeting on Economic Sciences, OFID Director-General, ates – not only at the meetings but also during Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, was inducted into the Honorary Senate of the informal social events. They remarked that Lindau Foundation. Wolfgang Schürer, Chairman of the Foundation, said their experience would have a “profound im- during the induction: “Mr. Al-Herbish shares the Foundation’s conviction pact” on helping guide and shape their future research. The meeting also provided a means of that human capacity-building is crucial for all societies if they are to escape fostering both friendships and professional ties the vicious circle of illiteracy and poverty.” for collaborating on future research projects. Another viewpoint shared by the attendees was Mr. Al-Herbish, the first person from the Middle East to receive this that meeting other like-minded individuals honor, expressed his appreciation and said that ”although the Foundation from diverse cultural and academic back- and OFID had been working together for only a brief time, their relation- grounds enriched their overall experience. ship was strong and based on “shared ideals and a common vision,” as Words from some of the OFID well as a “total conviction in the empowerment of knowledge.” He went sponsored participants on to explain OFID’s role in boosting human capacity building as a means “I took away from the Lindau meeting new of alleviating poverty, particularly when it came to supporting the devel- thoughts in modern macroeconomics…the ex- opment of young people. perience and knowledge gained at the meet- ings will guide my future research.” Roland OFID had done this, said Mr. Al-Herbish, through its Scholarship Program Kpoder, Togo and its regular sponsorship of young scientists and researchers at confer- “Interacting with Nobel Laureates about ences, workshops and similar events. Mr. Al-Herbish also highlighted whom I had only read in books was indeed a rare opportunity.” Akash Acharya, India how this year was a special one for OFID, not only because it was cele- “As a person who believes that diversity is brating its 35th Anniversary but also because it had been pledged one bil- a sign of strength and tolerance, the meetings lion dollars in fresh resources from its Member Countries. This replenish- achieved their goals and allowed us to meet ment would therefore enable OFID to continue its mission with “even with individuals from different cultural back- grounds and be inspired by each other’s experi- greater vigor,” said the Director-General.” ences.” Majdeline El Rayess, Lebanon

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 19 SPECIAL FEATURE

Capacity building for the youth: a perspective

F orty years on and the issue of In 1971, a study by Mildred Levy used data from primary and secondary school dropout rates is still a widespread phe- 42 least developed countries (LDCs) to explore nomenon in developing countries. While in the countries of the Organization for the relationship between social, political, Economic Co-operation and Develop- economic and educational variables and varia- ment (OECD), almost 100 percent of stu- dents enrol in secondary education and tions in the dropout rate from primary schools. almost 80 percent of them conclude their A conclusion was that high fertility rates and a studies, in Africa, on the other hand, about 69 million school-age children are high degree of social tension in a society tended not even in school [almost half of them (31 million) in sub-Saharan Africa], and to deter the attainment of universal literacy, more than a quarter (18 million) are in while increased urbanisation and development Southern Asia. Worse, dropout rates in sub-Saharan Africa remain intolerably of communications systems increased school high, where more than 30 percent of pri- continuation. Furthermore, economic returns to mary school students drop out before reaching the final grade. These statistics, education were as important determinants of as daunting as they are, highlight the school continuation. And several characteristics great challenge that developing countries face with regard to human (and particu- of the school system were related to dropouts larly youth) development. Broadly defined, youth development after the first year. By Ranya Nehmeh is “...the ongoing growth process in which all youth are engaged in attempting to (1) meet their basic personal and social needs to be safe, feel cared for, be valued, be useful, and be spiritually grounded, and (2) to build skills and competencies that allow them to func- tion and contribute in their daily lives“ (Pittman, 1993). The importance of youth development is indisputable. In the last years, a plethora of conferences, summits and global gatherings have pushed this issue to the forefront of the international agenda, while also involving multiple

20 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE

stakeholders such as governments, inter- world’s greatest resource and that it is the (i.e., policies, the legal/regulatory frame- national organizations and non-govern- youth of today that will be the leaders of work, resources available, among others). mental organizations, among others. tomorrow. If this is truly the case, then At the individual level a wide range One of the eight Millennium Devel- the process of developing the youth needs of approaches are available to build ca- opment Goals (MDGs) specifically focuses to be speeded up, particularly in the pacities, including training, formal educa- on achieving universal primary education LDCs. And this should be done mainly tion, and capacity building projects, to for boys and girls alike (MDG-2). Unfortu- through education and capacity building name a few. Which approach is favoured nately, although sanctioned by 192 coun- initiatives. will naturally depend on the specific ob- tries around the world, progress toward jectives aimed at. A training workshop for this particular goal has youth, for example, would SOURCE: RAFAL OLECHOWSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM been slow, especially in be useful in building hu- countries of sub-Saharan man capacities at an aware- Africa and southern Asia. ness-raising level. At the in- Similarly, the World stitutional level, there is a Bank’s World Development need to develop more con- Report (WDR) of 2007, fo- sistency in the approaches cused on youth in develop- of youth development or- ing countries from ages 12 – ganisations and to con- 24. The Report made the sider the context of how to case that developing the address the issues facing skills of young people is young people. At the socie- important and not just for tal level, the future genera- the youth, themselves. It is tions need to be targeted of critical importance if through the integration of countries are going to sustainable development make further progress in into national education poverty reduction and programmes. growth. The point of the Capacity building is Report was to raise aware- about sustainability. It is a ness among the youth continuous process of about development issues learning and an on-going and their potential roles in investment in human cap- their countries. ital. If individuals are not Earlier this year, accorded the opportunity global attention was again to conclude primary or sec- turned on young people at ondary school education, the UN High Level Meeting on Youth, held There is no single definition of capacity or are equipped with the right competen- in New York. The meeting looked at is- building. Groot & Moolen, 2001 referred cies and/or skills needed to accomplish a sues such as strengthening international to it as “the development of knowledge, skills job/task, the prospects for any kind of cooperation regarding youth and enhanc- and attitudes in individuals and groups of youth development will look bleak. The ing dialogue, mutual understanding and people relevant in the design, development principle of developing human capital is, active youth participation as indispensa- and maintenance of institutional and opera- therefore, key to poverty reduction. Thus, ble elements toward achieving social inte- tional infrastructures and processes that are when individuals discuss capacity build- gration, full employment and the eradica- locally meaningful”. According to the ing it should, first and foremost, refer to tion of poverty. A few months later, the United Nations Development Program capacity building of youth. By developing same message was reinforced at the One (UNDP), a broader view is needed of the skills and potential of youth to take Young World Summit, 2011 (see separate capacity building which will focus on the lead in their own development and story). The Summit’s aim was to help three levels; the individual level, where in- the communities around them, they make the voices of the youth heard and dividuals build and enhance existing would be enabled to enhance their ex- have their demands met in global arenas knowledge and skills; the institutional pertise and awareness about relevant is- of politics, business, the media, religion, level, which involves working with exist- sues, inevitably empowering these young health and the environment. ing institutions in developing countries; people to make a long-term contribution All of these events have highlighted and the societal level, which would to the progress and welfare of their own one message: that the youth are the support a more enabling environment countries.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 21 OUTREACH

Egypt’s blind All-women Chamber Orchestra An-Nour wa l-Amal tours Europe OFID an active Sponsor

o-sponsored by OFID, the Euro- C pean tour of the orchestra to Bu- In early September, An-Nour wa l-Amal Orchestra, dapest, Kecskemét, Prague, Bratislava, the one and only blind women Orchestra world- Maribor and Venice also has the support of the Egyptian Embassy in Vienna. An- wide and renowned as the “Light & Hope Orches- Nour wa l-Amal is considered to be the first centre established in the Middle East tra,” gave a thrilling three-hour classical music and North Africa Region for the educa- concert at the Vienna City Hall. The concert was tion, vocational training and integration part of several activities of the Egyptian Cultural of blind girls in society. Office in Vienna to present the manifold cultural Success The 38-strong Orchestra was received in landscape of contemporary Egypt to the Austrian Vienna with enthusiasm and affection. The City Hall saw an impressive crowd of and the central middle European public. people of various ages and cultures. The by Hala El Sayed performance included the works of Rossini, Abou l-Eid, Brahms, Verdi, Reverberi, Tchaikovsky, Khachaturian, Mozart, Bartok, Dvorak, Strauss, Bizet and other composers. It was an outstanding success for the orchestra, which certainly won the hearts and minds of the audience. Attendance The concert was held under the patronage of the Egyptian Cultural Office with the kind support of the City of Vienna, the City of Graz and Styria. Other backers in- cluded Egypt Air and the Egyptian com- munity in Austria, among others. It was opened by Member of the Austrian Parlia- ment and Municipal Councillor Dip.-Ing. Omar Al-Rawi, with the Egyptian Cultural Counsellor for Vienna, Prof. Dr. Morsy Abu-Youssef, and Vice-Chairman of An- Nour wa l-Amal Association, Mrs. Amal Fikry, by his side. In attendance were ranking Austrian officials and other rep- resentatives of international institutions. PHOTO: EGYPTIAN CULTURAL OFFICE VIENNA

22 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 QUTREACH

Others included Austrian Women Minis- pean cities. He referred to the orchestra as An-Nour wa l-Amal Association is to es- ter, Mrs. Maria Rauch-Kallat; the Ambas- “an obvious proof of the positive role and tablish the rights of blind girls and sador of Egypt to Austria, HE Mr. Khaled achievements of Arab women.” women. The association provides them Shamaa; Ambassador, Permanent mis- In his own statement, Dr. Abu- with free education, literacy programs sion of Palestine to Austria and interna- Youssef thanked OFID’s Director-General and vocational training to develop their tional organizations in Vienna, HE Dr. and said it was an honor that OFID was potential and special abilities, such as mu- Zuheir El Wazer; Consul of Palestine, an active sponsor of the event. He sical talent. The association also helps to Mrs. Hussnieh Awad; Consul of Egypt, pointed out that the event provided a fur- ensure their physical and psychological Mr. A. Shrif Lutfy; Secretary General of ther opportunity for OFID to confirm its health, enabling them to develop their the Society for Austro-Arab Relations, Mr. noble message. In her own brief sum- own identities and become self-depend- Fritz Edlinger; Head of the Egyptian mary on behalf of the Orchestra, Mrs. ent, integrated members of society. The Tourism Office in Vienna, Mrs. Nabila El Amal Fikry expressed deep gratitude to musical institute of the charitable organ- Banhawiy; and other ambassadors as well the organizers and sponsors of the Vi- ization was set up on an academic basis by as heads of some international organiza- enna concert and, indeed, the entire tour. Dr. Samha El Kholy, a former President of tions based in Vienna. the Egyptian Academy of Arts and Dean Dip.-Ing. Omar Al-Rawi spoke to the Education and literacy programs of the Cairo Conservatory of Music. audience, observing that it was an honor Launched in 1945 by a group of women that the Orchestra chose Vienna as its volunteers under the leadership of the first port of call on its tour of seven Euro- late Mrs. Istiklal Radi, the primary aim of

OFID Director-General receives Award from Burkina Faso

by Silvia Mateyka The Director-General of OFID, Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, was, in July, honored by the African nation of Burkina Faso at a distinguished ceremony held in the main conference hall of OFID. The Director-General was decorated by HE Mr. Salif Diallo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Burk- ina Faso to Austria and Permanent Representative to the HE Mr. Salif Diallo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of United Nations Organizations in Vienna. Mr. Al-Herbish re- Burkina Faso to Austria and the International Organizations (left) and OFID Director-General Mr. Al-Herbish. ceived the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Burkina Faso or Knight of the National Order. Recalling his visit to Burkina Faso in 2006 (one of his first mis- The prestigious award was given by a decree issued by the sions to an African country), Mr. Al-Herbish expressed appre- President of Burkina Faso, HE Mr. Blaise Compaore. This was ciation for the honor “from a partner country that stands at the in recognition of the Director-General’s and OFID’s steadfast front line of fighting poverty and laying foundations for a fair socio- commitment in helping promote the country’s socio-economic economic development.” Mr. Al-Herbish dedicated the award to development. The award is one of the most important civilian his OFID colleagues, commending their commitment to fight- honors that one can receive in Burkina Faso. It is accorded in ing poverty worldwide. “I’m honored and my colleagues also, to recognition of exceptional contributions in various fields. receive this award,” he said. The Director-General sent a mes- At the conferral ceremony, Mr. Diallo said he was proud to sage to President Compaore on behalf of OFID: “We are com- be extending the recognition on behalf of his government. He mitted to being a real partner in the development of Burkina Faso.” thanked Mr. Al-Herbish for “his personal efforts in alleviating Burkina Faso and OFID have been partners in development poverty in Burkina Faso, as well as in Africa in general.” The Am- since the institution’s establishment in 1976. To date, OFID bassador noted that since OFID’s inception, the institution’s has approved 35 projects amounting to nearly US$180 million support had benefited much of Burkina Faso’s population, es- in support of the development of the country. Furthermore, pecially women and youth. This award is a sign of “friendship OFID has extended a total of 30 grants to Burkina Faso in the and cooperation” between Burkina Faso and OFID, he said. amount of over US$33 million.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 23 July – September 2011

JULY 6 JULY 20 AUGUST 9 SEPTEMBER 21-25

Agreement signed OFID Director-General Public sector loan An OFID delegation led by the receives prestigious Chevalier agreement signed Director-General, Mr. Suleiman Memorandum of OFID signs de l’Ordre National J. Al-Herbish, took part in a num- Understanding with the Arab Botswana. US$40 million. ber of high-level meetings in Bank for Economic Development Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, Integrated Transport. This proj- New York and Washington DC. in Africa that will consolidate OFID Director-General, was ect aims at improving the effi- Eight loan agreements were also Chevalier de and expand existing cooperation presented with the ciency and competitiveness of signed during the mission (listed l’Ordre National (Knight of the between the two organizations. the transport system in Gaborone below). National Order). and the Southern District. See story page 23. JULY 6-8 Public sector loan Emergency assistance agreements signed grant approved OFID hosts 69th Meeting JULY 28 Bangladesh. US$28 million. of the Coordination Group Ethiopia and Kenya. Construction of Flyover Bridges US$400,000. This grant was in Dhaka. To boost socio-eco- OFID hosted the 69th biannual Emergency assistance channeled through the World nomic development in the capi- meeting of the Coordination grant approved Food Program and helped sup- tal Dhaka through the construc- Group, which comprises OFID Somalia. US$350,000. port efforts to reduce suffering tion of a flyover bridge that will and its Sister Organizations. This grant, which was channeled in famine-stricken areas. ease traffic congestion and en- through the World Food Pro- hance access to social services. Research grants approved gram, helped purchase food AUGUST 24 Belize. US$8 million. Golden supplies and support emergency Foundation Lindau. Stream – Big Falls – Guatemala operations for famine victims. US$100,000. To support the OFID Director-General Al-Herbish Border Road Rehabilitation participation of 66 young inducted into the Honorary (additional loan). To complete researchers and economists from Senate of the Lindau Foundation. rehabilitation works on a road Arab and emerging countries AUGUST 4 See story page 17-19. located in the South Toledo Dis- at the 61st Meeting of Nobel trict. Some 30,000 people are ex- Public sector loan Laureates and the 4th Meeting SEPTEMBER 1-4 pected to benefit from improved in Economic Sciences, which agreement signed access to social services and jobs. held in June/August in Lindau, Burundi. US$11.9 million. Agri- Tanzania. US$10 million. OFID active at the Germany. cultural Value Chain Develop- Geita District Rural Electrifica- One Young World Summit Arab Forum for Environment tion Project. This project will ment Program. To help reduce and Development (AFED). connect 15 rural villages in An OFID delegation, led by poverty and improve food secu- US$100,000. To support the Geita town with electrical power, Director-General Al-Herbish, rity through the development of 4th AFED Annual Conference thereby enhancing both living attended the 2nd One Young agricultural value chains in seven 2011 and the 2011 Report on conditions and livelihoods of World Summit held in Zürich, provinces populated by some Transitioning to the Green Economy. the population. Switzerland. See story page 10-16. 3.6 million people.

24 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2010 Meetings attended by OFID

JUNE 30 – JULY 1 SEPTEMBER 7 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM ABU DHABI, 2011 European Communication UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Summit Extraordinary Meeting of Coun- cil of Arab Ministers of Finance JULY 4-5 LONDON, UK SEPTEMBER 7-9 Arab Coordination Group VIENNA, AUSTRIA Institutions (ACGI) and the 38th Annual Meeting of the OECD Development Assistance International Forfaiting Committee (DAC) High Level OFID Director-General Al-Herbish at the inauguration of schools at the Nahr El Bared Association (IFA) Palestinian Refugee Camp, Lebanon. Partnership Dialogue 2011 SEPTEMBER 9-10 The Gambia. US$6 million. JULY 6-8 SEPTEMBER 28 MARSEILLE, FRANCE Energy Development and Access VIENNA, AUSTRIA Deauville Partnership Finance Expansion. To expand the elec- 69th Biannual Meeting of the OFID attends inauguration Ministers’ Meeting tricity grid to cover disadvan- Arab Coordination Group taged areas in the Kanifing Mu- of schools at Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon nicipality and rural settlements SEPTEMBER 19-23 JULY 28-29 in the Western Kombo Central Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, VIENNA, AUSTRIA Region. PARIS, FRANCE OFID Director-General, and Mr. 55th Annual Regular Session of Experts’ Meeting of the Kenya. US$15 million. Rural Filippo Grandi, Commissioner- the General Conference of the General of the United Nations Deauville Partnership Electrification. To help boost International Atomic Energy socio-economic development Relief and Works Agency Agency (IAEA) through the electrification of (UNRWA), inaugurated three JULY 28-30 rural infrastructure and installa- schools of the Nahr el Bared BEIRUT, LEBANON Palestinian Refugee Camp in SEPTEMBER 20 tion of about 35,460 new house- Board of Directors Meeting of Lebanon. The inauguration was hold connections. Byblos Bank Africa (BBA) NEW YORK, USA Mozambique. US$13.5 million. attended by HE Mr. Wael Abu- UN Private Sector Forum 2011: Faor, Minister of Social Affairs of Artisanal Fisheries Promotion. To AUGUST 18-21 Sustainable Energy for All improve incomes and livelihoods Lebanon, and HE Dr. Abdallah Abdallah, Ambassador of Pales- CRANS-MONTANA, of poor households involved in SEPTEMBER 21-25 artisanal fishing through the im- tine to Lebanon, as well as repre- SWITZERLAND WASHINGTON DC, USA provement of related infrastruc- sentatives of the local commu- Annual Meeting of the Council ture. An estimated 45,000 people nity and school students. OFID on World Public Affairs organized World Bank Group and the are expected to benefit from the co-financed the construction of by the Crans Montana Forum International Monetary Fund project. the school with a US$5 million Annual Meetings / G24 Ministers grant extended in 2008. Meeting / Development Com- Paraguay. US$20 million. Na- AUGUST 23-27 mittee Meeting/ Meeting of the tional Interconnected Electricity LINDAU, GERMANY Heads of Multilateral Financial System Upgrading. To improve 4th Meeting of the Winners of the reliability of electrical power the Sverige Riksbank Prize in Institutions / Meeting of the supplies to poor and rural com- Economic Sciences in Memory Heads of Arab, National and munities in 14 departments lo- of Alfred Nobel Regional Institutions / Meeting cated in the Eastern Region and of the Arab Finance Ministers the capital Asunción. SEPTEMBER 1-4 Samoa. US$12 million. Petro- SEPTEMBER 27 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND leum Bulk Storage Facility Second One Young World LAXENBURG, AUSTRIA (Phase IV). To help meet the Summit Vienna Energy Club Meeting population’s basic energy needs by strengthening related infra- structure, benefiting an esti- mated 180,000 people. www.ofid.org See story page 42.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 25 OFID DIARY

th From left: Mr. Said Aissi, Advisor to the 136 Session of the Governing Board Director-General; Mr. Fuad Albassam, Acting Assistant Director-General, Public Sector Operations and Active th Head Private Sector; Mr. Suleiman Meeting in its 136 Session, the Governing Board J. Al-Herbish, Director-General; Mr. Jamal Nasser Lootah, Governing of OFID approved new loans and grants to pursue Board Chairman; Mr. Saeid Niazi, socio-economic development in partner countries. Assistant Director-General, Financial Operations. The loans will fund projects assisting over one million people in Africa and Asia, while the grants go to support a wide range of programs in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, the Gambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Palestine, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

HE Mr. Sulistijo Djati Ismojo, Minister Counsellor, Indonesia.

26 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OFID DIARY

HE Dr. Fadhil Nabee Othman, Governor of Iraq to OFID.

HE Mr. Ismail Omar Al-Daffa, Alternate Governor of Qatar to OFID.

Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmed Al-Bader, Governor of Kuwait to OFID.

HE Dr. Hamad S. Al-Bazai, Governor of Saudi Arabia to OFID.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 27 OFID DIARY

LOAN SIGNATURE

August 4 HE Mr. Ahmada R. Ngemera, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Germany, and Mr. Al-Herbish signed a US$10 million loan agreement. The funds will help finance the Geita District Rural Electrification Project. August 9 HE Mr. Mohusi Bruce Rabasha Palai, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, Geneva, signed a US$40 million loan agreement for the September 22 Integrated Transport Project. Mr. Joseph K. Kinyua, Permanent Secretary, Kenya, after signing a US$15 million loan agreement for rural electrification, to help boost socio-economic development through electrification and installation of new household connections.

28 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OFID DIARY

September 22 HE Mr. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Belize, and Mr. Al-Herbish after signing a loan in the amount of US$8 million toward the Golden Stream – Big Falls – Guatemala Border Road Rehabilitation (additional loan), to complete rehabilitation works on a road located in the South Toledo District. Some 30,000 people are expected to benefit from improved access to social services and jobs.

September 23 HE Mr. Faumuina T. Liuga, Minister of Finance, Samoa, and Mr. Al-Herbish, following signature of a US$12 million loan agreement for a Petroleum Bulk Storage Facility (Phase IV). The project is to help meet the population’s basic energy needs by strengthening related infra- structure, benefiting an estimated 180,000 people.

The full list of loan signatures can be found on pages 24-25.

OFID QUARTERLY JULY 2011 29 OFID DIARY

July 8 OFID hosted donors’ meetings, one of them for the Second Phase of the Kandadji Dam Project in Niger. HE Mr. Amadou Bubacar Cisse, Minister of Planning, Land and Community Development, headed the Niger delegation. The meetings were also attended by BADEA, KFAED and SFD.

July 20 HE Ms. Maria Oyeyinka Laose, the newly arrived Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria and to Slovakia and Permanent Representative of Nigeria at the International Organisations in Vienna. She paid a courtesy call on Mr. Al-Herbish.

30 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OFID DIARY

July 25 HE Mr. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguiler, new Ambassador of Cuba to Austria, visited OFID’s Director-General.

September 15 HE Mr. Mohamed Samir Koubaa, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Austria, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Al-Herbish.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 31

OFID in the Field

OFID’s projects and programs are designed to help make a difference in the lives and times of the poor across the world. In this edition of the Quarterly, the rubric “OFID in the Field” places the spotlight on education and youth empowerment. Education is a key target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which also see some coverage in these pages. It is a major concern of OFID to be seen in the field, alongside those with whom the institution is working to accomplish social and economic advancement.

OFID QUARTERLY JULY 2011 33 OUTREACH

Yemen: educating the young to tackle poverty

A least developed country with an impressive historic past, Yemen has a significantly young population. The country struggles to reach some Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), supported by international aid. by Damelys Delgado

W orking toward modernization, Education, priority in Yemen schools. An increase in student enroll- while not discarding its customs One of the highest priorities for the Gov- ment necessitates the creation of approx- and traditions, Yemen is facing many ernment is education. According to the imately 7.2 million new student places in challenges. The country is battling grow- census of 2008, literacy is estimated at schools. ing water scarcity, with just one percent Since 1976, in order to help Yemen 54.1 percent, with a gender disparity of of the land under irrigation. Although advance on its long path to progress, 35.7 percent for females and 73.1 percent this is the largest geographical obstacle, OFID has supported some of Yemen’s ef- for males. This gender disparity is further there are others equal in gravity: unem- forts in several sectors, such as transport, emphasized when one looks at the ratio ployment, for one, which is linked to the water supply, energy, urban development of male/female enrollment in vocational lack of skills of the labour force. For the and education, among others, totaling secondary schools and vocational train- youth, unemployment is at 52.9 percent. US$ 235 million as of July 2011. Yemen’s ing centers. Of the 3.547 students enrolled With roughly two million dwellers, private sector has also benefited from in three-year vocational secondary 25 percent of the labor force in the capital OFID’s support, through loans to help in schools in 2008, 3,184 (90 percent) were city Sana’a is unemployed, despite the the development of industry. Due to the male, as compared with 363 (10 percent) city being a gateway to Yemen, an his- fact that education is one of the most ur- female. toric and cultural centre and a hub of gent matters to be addressed, the latest Accordingly, to combat illiteracy commerce, services and tourism. Sana’a project approved in 2010 by OFID’s Gov- and improve opportunities for all, basic was, in 1986, declared a World Heritage Site erning Board was the “Vocational Train- education is a priority. In 2002, the Min- by the United Nations, because of its ing and Skills Development Project unique architecture dating back over istry of Education adopted a national (VTSD).” This project is designed to im- 2,000 years. strategy known as “Basic Education De- prove skills development opportunities According to a 2009 Statistical Year velopment Strategy (BEDS),” which has for the rural population, which consti- Book, Yemen’s population has risen to involved a number of donors and stake- tutes 76 percent of the total population. 22.4 million, of which 23.2 percent are holders, including, besides OFID, the Mr. Turki Al-Muaikil, Senior Opera- aged 15-24. Yemen ranks 133rd out of 177 World Bank, UNICEF, WFP, UNESCO, tions Officer at OFID in charge of Yemen’s countries in the 2010 UNDP Human De- UNFP, JICA (Japan International Cooper- projects and programs for the public sec- velopment Index. Despite the efforts of the ation Agency), ILO (International Labor tor, summarized the social impact of this Government, progress in human and Organization), the German, UK, Dutch project as follows: “Enrolment of around other development indicators has been and French governments and the EU. The 9,000 children between the ages of 9-15 too slow to ensure attainment of the objectives of BEDS include, among oth- years in classes that will enable them to MDGs by 2015. However, the possibility ers, improving the quality of teaching, re- complete the equivalent of primary of achieving the goals of universal pri- forming the administration of the school education; establishment of a mary education, under-5 child mortality schools, upgrading the curriculum, ex- youth vocational literacy component reduction, and an end to malaria and tu- panding school enrollment, enlarging that will target some 4,000 unemployed berculosis has not been ruled out. school space for girls and building new youth aged 16-24 to empower them with

34 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OUTREACH vocational skills and provision of train- ing to 4,000 women in the areas of liter- acy proficiency, vocational training and business skills development.” This con- stitutes an important step in the provi- sion of real solutions for Yemen’s people, Al-Muaikil said. Shared vision With a total cost of US$21.59 million, the VTSD is a project co-financed by the Is- lamic Development Bank, the Govern- ment of Yemen and OFID. The share con- tributed by OFID is 42.15 percent. In Vocational Training addition to the financial component, the center in Sana’a. social component is also relevant. As Mr. Left: two ladies engaged Al-Muakil explained, “This is a unique project, which embraces many compo- in the shaving and nents to improve the employability of engraving of wood. youth, the empowerment of women and Below: Yemeni architect strengthening capacity building for the Mr. Ali Qaid demonstrates poorest.” his high skill in cutting OFID’s contribution began in 1976, special stones to be used with a balance of payments (BOP) loan to in building decoration. support an Education/Training project, followed by many successful and com- pleted projects in vocational, technical training and social fund development as well as the skills development projects for young Yemenis. Since then, OFID’s assis- tance in Education has been disseminated throughout the 250 vocational and tech- nical training centers located across the whole country, to help in reducing poverty by increasing literacy and em- ployment opportunities. Some of the benefits have include enabling school children to return to school after completing non-formal ba- sic education or to join a youth voca- tional training program; providing youth with practical vocational skills that will enable them to join the labor market and providing women with training to de- velop economic activity to help support their families. Just as water is basic to life, educa- tion is basic to progress because it pro- vides life-giving support for societal de- velopment. OFID is proud to support the Yemeni youngsters, the promise of a bet- ter future in one of the least developed countries on the Arabian Peninsula but immensely rich in history. PHOTOS: SFD

OFID QUARTERLY JULY 2011 35 PHOTO: EFREN RAMIREZ CEUB

Teaching Laboratory at the Odontology Faculty of the San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca University. Young students, soon to be dentists, practicing with patients, using recently acquired equipment.

B etween the Andes and the Amazon Bolivia: is located one of the eight most bio- diverse countries in the world: Bolivia, a country with several of “the mosts”, like meeting challenges the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; the largest salt deposit in the world, the Salara de Uyni; the second to build a future largest natural gas reserves in South Amer- ica and around 50 percent of world re- serves of lithium. In addition, the admin- istrative capital, La Paz, is the world’s The poorest country in South America highest, with an elevation of 3,650 m above sea level. has to deal with low rates of income, But despite being rich in natural re- employment and productivity, sources, Bolivia, a land-locked country with a population of 10 million people, is but education can play a vital role one of the poorest and most economically in development. segregated countries in South America, by Damelys Delgado with a 65 percent poverty rate. Sixty per- cent of its diverse population is younger than 25. Bolivian youth need to be trained in the expertise required to de- velop the country’s resources. Education is a key factor in tackling poverty. It is also one of the most effective instruments for addressing inequalities.

36 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OUTREACH

All governments worldwide are deeply mittee of the Bolivian Universities (CEUB) totalled US$10.7 million, equivalent to aware of this need, and the Bolivian au- submitted to the government feasibility 47.7 percent of the investment.” thorities in 2003, launched an education proposals and a request for financing of OFID has supported development in strategy to transform the academic sys- the nine universities participating in the Bolivia since 1979, for a total of over tem and to foster greater enrolment of project. The proposal included a program US$100 million as of July 2011, through youth in higher education. for the institutional strengthening of private sector, public sector and grants fi- In 2006, with the Bolivian President each, with specific plans for infrastruc- nancing for projects in transport, agricul- Evo Morales as a witness, financial sup- ture and equipment refurbishment, ben- ture & agro-Industry, health, water sup- port by OFID for the National Universities efiting more than 240,000 students and ply, energy and education, among others. Rehabilitation and Modernization Proj- an academic community estimated at The rehabilitation and modernization ect was signed in Vienna to provide in- about 7,400 lecturers. ”All the universi- project at the universities encompassed sev- frastructure and equipment at nine na- ties were under pressure to cope with eral components, such as campus infra- tional universities located in the growing enrolment demand by that structure expansion works, construction of Departments of Santa Cruz, El Beni, Tar- time,” Martinez said. “OFID met with teaching and library modules, moderniza- ija, Potosí, La Paz, Chuquisaca, Pando, each one of them during appraisal to tion of audiovisual facilities, information Cochabamba and Oruro. identify the most pressing needs”. technology and communication systems Mr. Martinez added: “This is a sui hardware and software overhauling, and With a strong social scope generis project since it was the first time the procurement of laboratory equipment According to the Bolivian Education the autonomous universities in Bolivia and state of the art pedagogic kits. The im- Strategy, the national public universities were directly negotiating external financ- provements in each university throughout in the System of the Bolivian Universities ing, enabled by the introduction in 2006, Bolivia is expected to help the universities (SUB) defined an investment program to of a new direct hydrocarbon tax specifi- improve the conditions of the nation’s rehabilitate and modernize the universi- cally assigned to the higher education sec- higher education system, in order to pre- ties’ infrastructure aligned with the needs tor. OFID alone agreed to solely co-fi- pare thousands of youngsters to fill a pro- of the country. nance, with contributions from each ductive and creative role in their country’s Mr. Romulo Martinez, Operations participating university covering up to that, according to the 2010 Human Devel- Officer-in-charge of the Bolivian projects 52.6 percent of the total cost, estimated to opment Report of the UNDP, ranks 95th out explained that the SUB’s Executive Com- be US$23 million, while OFID assistance of 169 in human development.

Bolivia: Beneficiary universities of the “National Universities Rehabilitation PANDO 8 and Modernization” project financed by OFID 1 Universidad Mayor Real y Pontifica San Francisco Xavier Sucre (Chuquisaca)

BENI 2 Universidad Mayor de San Andres La Paz (La Paz) 3 Universidad Mayor de San Simon 7 Cochabamba (Cochabamba) LA PAZ 4 Universidad Autónoma Tomas Frias Potosi (Potosi) 2 COCHABAMBA 5 Universidad Autónoma Gabriel Rene Moreno 3 SANTA CRUZ Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz) 5 9 6 Universidad Autónoma Juan Misael Saracho ORURO Tarija (Tarija) 1 7 Universidad Autónoma del Beni 4 Trinidad (Beni)

POTOSI CHUQUISACA 8 Universidad Amazonica de Pando Source: Cobija (Pando) TARIJA 6 CEUB – International Relations National Secretariat, 9 Universidad Nacional Siglo XX La Paz - Bolivia Llallagua (Potosi)

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 37 OUTREACH

Mozambique: pursuing development of natural and human potential National Strategy for Higher Education accomplishing aims PHOTO: SEAN SPRAGUE/PANOS PICTURES

Step by step, Mozambique finds ways to develop its A remarkably indicator is the illiteracy rate that is expected to drop to 30 percent untapped natural resources. To help achieve this goal, by 2012, according to Mozambican Na- it is vital to educate the young people of the country. tional Director of Adult Education, Mr. Ernesto Muianga. In 1974, it was esti- by Damelys Delgado mated that 97 percent of the Mozambi- can population could not read or write. fter decades of armed conflict, Peace and the road to welfare Since then, the rate has been steadily de- A creasing. Mozambique, once one of the Peace has placed Mozambique on the poorest countries in the world, has road to welfare, and substantial progress Challenges remain become one of Africa’s best-performing has been made in achieving several The need to improve job creation and to economies with greater political stability milestones toward the Millennium sustain economic growth requires a and rich natural resources of remarkable Development Goals (MDGs). Nonethe- well-educated population. With close to economic potential. less, poverty remains widespread, with 22 million people, 70 percent of whom The Moatize Basin in the country’s more than 50 percent of Mozambicans live in rural areas and 50 percent under Tete province, may be the last untapped living on less than US$1 a day. According great coal reserve in the world with an es- to the World Bank, many things have the age of 15, Mozambique is on the way timated 2.5 billion tons of coal. Proven changed in the country since independ- to taking advantage of its strong eco- reserves of natural gas estimated around ence from Portugal in 1975, with pro- nomic potential. Still untapped natural 127.4 billion cubic metres rank the coun- grams such as free education, affordable resources can easily support the devel- try as 51 among 99 nations. Some 88 per- health care, child immunization, malaria opment of this sub-tropical country bor- cent of its arable land is still uncultivated. control, HIV/AIDS and infrastructure im- dering Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, And, for its part, the tourism industry provements. The Bank points out that net Swaziland and South Africa, and with must overcome many issues to take ad- primary school enrolment reached 95 an Indian Ocean coastline of about vantage of Mozambique’s stunning percent in 2010, and infant and under- 2,470 km. beaches and wildlife. Today, agriculture five child mortality was reduced from 201 Despite a particularly high rate of makes up 80 percent of Mozambique’s per 1,000 new-born in 1997 to 138 per growth in the last few years (an annual economy. 1,000 in 2008. average of eight percent per year),

38 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 OUTREACH

PHOTO: EDUARDO MONDLANE UNIVERSITY/LOURENCO DIQUE

Buildings of the Eduardo Mondlane University. With an expected 40 percent increase in graduate numbers, the University hopes to contribute to the development of professional standards.

Mozambique’s economic expansion has was only the Eduardo Mondlane Univer- To accomplish this goal, the project has not been accompanied by an increase sity. During the civil war and after the supported the construction of four in necessary human resources. Accord- peace agreement in 1992, student acces- buildings: mathematics, computer sci- ing to the project appraisal report, as- sibility remained limited, but eventually ence, biology and administration, to- suming zero growth, Mozambique will the system expanded, but on a weak fi- talling over 11,000 square meters, with need about 1,200 professionals every nancial basis. By 1999, the number of ap- appropriate furnishings and equipment year to fill the available jobs in the pub- plicants had increased five-fold over the for classrooms, laboratories and offices. lic sector alone. available vacancies.” Today, the univer- Today, the university community has The government is aware of the im- sity is one of 23 higher education institu- adequate facilities, no longer deficient portance of meeting demands for higher tions, and preeminent in terms of size, or dispersed as was previously the case. education, responding to labour market number of students and staff. The Faculty of Science, for example, had expectations and increasing efficient use The increasing number of students some divisions located eight kilometres of available resources. OFID, in compli- had not been accompanied by a con- away from the main site. Besides the ad- ance with the mandate to support devel- comitant level of new infrastructure. vantages of new and modern buildings, opment of the poorer countries world- The physical condition of university the project provides relief for an over- wide, has supported Mozambique’s campuses has not meet the needs of a crowded educational location. National Strategy for Higher Education, growing population concentrated With the expectation of a 40 percent through the Eduardo Mondlane Univer- mainly in Maputo, the capital city, increase in graduate numbers, Eduardo sity Project. With a total US$13.4 million where job opportunities are better and Mondlane University will contribute to cost estimate, the project has been the standard of living more attractive. the development of professional stan- jointly financed by BADEA (30 percent), Ms. Gil summarized the objectives dards, providing the best human resource the Government of Mozambique (seven of the present project: “to enhance the training in its improved facilities in a percent) and OFID (63 percent). quality of the services rendered by the country with a tremendous urgency to find ways toward progress. Ms. Luisa Gil, Operations Officer in University as a whole and of the Faculty charge of the Mozambique projects, and of Science, by expanding existing facil- Acting Director of OFID’s Africa Region, ities in order to increase the enrolment explained the conditions in the Mozam- of students and by improving the learn- bican education sector: “At first there ing environment.”

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 39 OUTREACH

Palestine: cultivating hope by empowering youth

Youth, a dynamic force behind socio-economic Palestinian youth Palestinian youth are among those who advancement in developing countries, face many are most severely hit, especially when it challenges; however, the challenges confronting comes to education. Attendance at higher education levels has been se- the youth in Palestine are seen as much greater. verely interrupted since more than half Sixty-three years have passed since the beginning of higher education students have be- come unable to reach their universities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Over this time, in the West Bank and Gaza. Teachers are Palestinian territories have very often been subject also badly affected. Another difficulty is the sharp de- to strict closures, blockades and curfews, which cline of the economy in the Palestinian hamper all aspects of life. territories which has left a large percent- age of university students unable to pay by Hala El Sayed and Audrey Haylins their fees. This situation has conse- quently interrupted the continuation of their studies and endangered the finan- cial viability of universities as well. In addition, the ongoing critical sit- uation has caused extensive destruction to basic infrastructure and essential buildings including all educational serv- PHOTO: AL-NAJAH UNIVERSITY ices. As a result, the Palestinian educa- tion system has been put out of action. The ongoing tragic situation in Palestine has called repeatedly for emer- gency assistance to the severely affected Palestinians. According to a damage as- sessment carried out in May 2002 by the international community in close coop- eration with the Palestinian Authority, educational institutions were on top of the components of an emergency pro- gram where urgent assistance was re- Campus of the Information Technology College at Al-Najah University. quired.

40 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 Education, in the view of OFID, remains a crucial tool for the accomplishment of sustainable development across Palestine.

Empowerment and the Arab Monetary Fund. The direct tal number of Palestinian students en- Aware of the importance of Education as objectives of the program are to improve rolled in universities and colleges during a crucial tool for achieving sustainable de- access of poor Palestinian youth to higher that period. velopment, OFID has constantly paid spe- education and support the development In addition to the payment of their cial attention to it. Empowering youth as of Palestinian tertiary education institu- tuition fees, 45,359 poor university and a valued asset in community develop- tions, in particular universities. The proj- college students received living al- ment process has always been OFID’s ect is expected to continue improving the lowances. The program contributed also main target. Consequently, educational overall learning environment and the to the financing of 23 percent of Palestin- institutions, tuition fees for university quality of higher education services and ian university professors’ salaries as well students and the development of primary thus help underpin the country’s socio- as 18 percent of total universities budget. school infrastructure have always been economic advancement. The program has supported a total of 11 among OFID’s areas of primary concern. The fifth phase of the project, cover- universities and 24 colleges. Recognizing the urgent need for a ing the academic years 2010/2011 and OFID’s Special Grant Account good higher education system in Pales- 2011/2012, targets 12 Palestinian universi- tine, OFID has recently approved a proj- ties and 22 colleges. It is envisaged to cover Since the program started, OFID has ex- ect that aims at fostering higher educa- the cost of tuition fees of approximately tended five grants in the amount of tion institutions in the country. The 110,000 college and university students as US$11.5 million, which were drawn from project forms part of OFID’s ongoing sup- well as the living allowance of 15,000 poor the Special Grant Account for Palestine. port in Palestine through its special grant students attending those institutions. The program is administered by the es- account, which was set up in 2002, espe- According to Ms. Ikhlass Al-Sheikhly, tablished Higher Committee for Selec- cially to channel assistance to Palestini- head of OFID’s Grants Unit, progress re- tion of Affected Students, which com- ans. ports show that since the launch of the prises representatives of the Palestinian The project is the continuation of a program in July 2002, over 421,000 Pales- Council for Higher Education, the Arab special emergency program launched in tinian students have benefited from this Fund and the Welfare Association in ad- 2002 in cooperation with the Arab Fund special assistance program. This repre- dition to the heads of three major Pales- for Social and Economic Development sents approximately 34 percent of the to- tinian universities.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 41 OUTREACH

Minister of Social Affairs, HE Mr. Wael Abou Faour (left), representing Prime Minister HE Mr. Najib Mikati; HE Dr. Abdallah Abdallah (second from left), Ambassador of Palestine in Lebanon; and Mr. Al-Herbish (right), inaugurating three new schools of the Nahr El Bared refugee camp.

OFID and UNRWA inaugurate new schools for Palestinian refugees

by Silvia Mateyka

In May 2007, the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el Bared General of UNRWA, Mr. Filippo Grandi, and the Ambassador of (NBC) in the north of Lebanon suffered severe attacks. Over the Palestine to Lebanon, HE Dr. Abdallah Abdallah, was proud course of the three-month conflict, more than 95 per cent of the to inaugurate the first three new schools of NBC co-financed buildings in the camp were destroyed, including the compound of by OFID. the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which At the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Al-Herbish commended housed health clinics, schools and relief offices. The 27,000 UNRWA and its partners for their efforts and impressive job in refugees registered with UNRWA were displaced. the reconstruction of the NBC. He reaffirmed that OFID placed Recognizing the need for international assistance, OFID an- the suffering of the Palestinian people at its highest priority and nounced a contribution of US$5 million to UNRWA at an Inter- that the OFID Grant Account for Palestine is accorded high im- national Donor Conference on the Reconstruction and Recovery portance in the institution’s activities. He further disclosed that of NBC held in June 2008, in Vienna. The OFID grant was drawn UNRWA is one of the oldest partners of OFID in Palestine and from OFID’s Special Grant Account for Palestine and was directed that in the past decade this cooperation had taken on a new at the construction of three schools. maturity. “Today, I address the families and children of Nahr el This September 2011, the construction works were successfully Bared and convey to them the unwavering support of OFID. The completed. After more than four years, children, who were once past suffering and survival through such hardship will always res- forced to abandon familiar classrooms and playgrounds, returned onate in our hearts and push us to continue to do more, specifically to NBC. With OFID’s contribution, two schools (Mount Tabor capacity building as a cornerstone of sustainable development,” he and Amqa) were newly constructed and furnished, and one concluded. school (Toubas and Ein Karma) newly furnished and equipped. Cooperation between OFID and UNRWA began in 1979. As- The Amqa complex hosts the only secondary school in the UN- sistance was then directed at supporting vocational training pro- RWA compound and will provide some 150 boys and girls voca- grams in several Palestinian Camps. In the last 10 years, OFID has tional training through the Northern Wing Sibleen Training Cen- expanded its collaboration with UNRWA through the establish- ter. The reconstruction works allow the transfer of more than ment of PalFund which finances micro-enterprises across the 2,400 students from prefabricated schools to new premises and West Bank and Gaza. In 2009, on the sidelines of UNRWA’s 60th classrooms in the 2011/2012 academic year. Anniversary, OFID launched an UNRWA Scholarship Fund for tal- On September 28, 2011, Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish along with ented Palestinians in Vienna, Austria, with a grant of US$1.2 mil- the Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon representing the Prime lion. OFID’s accumulated funding and commitments to UN- Minister of Lebanon, HE Mr. Wael Abu-Faor, the Commissioner- RWA amount to over US$28 million.

42 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PHOTO: UN

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established a High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All to deliver, among other targets, a Global Action Agenda in the lead-up to the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development scheduled for June, 2012. (Mr. Ban, first row center, is flanked on his right by Mr. Yumkella, and behind him, Mr. Al-Herbish) OFID joins UN Group on Sustainable Energy for All

by Anna Ilaria-Mayrhofer

t a United Nations Private Sector Charged with delivering a Global Action Role of the Group A Forum on Sustainable Energy for Agenda in the lead-up to the Rio+20 UN UNIDO Director-General Kandeh All, hosted by the UN Global Compact in Conference on Sustainable Development Yumkella and Mr. Charles Holliday, collaboration with UNIDO (the United scheduled for June 4–6, 2012 in Rio de Nations Industrial Development Organi- Janeiro, Brazil, other members of the Chairman of the Bank of America, will zation) and UN Energy, September 20, Group include the Director-General of lead the Group, which comprises 30 2011, an announcement was made that the International Renewable Energy members from business, government, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was es- Agency (IRENA), Mr. Adnan Amin; UNEP financial institutions and civil society tablishing a High-level Group (HLG) on Sus- (United Nations Environment Program) from across the globe. The primary objec- tainable Energy for All to lay the ground- Executive Director Achim Steiner; and tive of the Group is to develop a strategy work for a “ground-breaking new energy UNDP (United Nations Development to combat energy poverty and achieve initiative” – Sustainable Energy for All by Program) Administrator Ms. Helen Clark. equitable access to energy based on three 2030 (SE4ALL). OFID Director-General OFID will be hosting the 2nd meeting of intertwined global targets: ensuring uni- Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish was subse- the Group at its headquarters in Vienna, versal access to modern energy services; quently appointed by Mr. Ban Ki-moon November 19-20, 2011. doubling the rate of improvement in to join the Group. energy efficiency; and doubling the

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 43 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

share of renewable energy in the global en- A key issue for peace, stability and development: ergy mix. Can Industry lead the necessary changes? In his Commenting on his appointment to the keynote speech, OFID Director-General Al-Her- High-level Group, Mr. Al-Herbish said he bish said that the key topics being discussed at looked forward to representing OFID and the Forum, such as sustainable development “sharing our institution’s expertise and expe- and poverty alleviation, particularly energy rience in helping shape the Global Energy poverty, were at the “heart of OFID’s mission.” Poverty Alleviation Action Agenda.” Mr. Al-Herbish outlined how OFID was tack- For further information ling the energy poverty issue on a number of International Year of on SE4ALL as well as fronts, including increasing its share of energy Sustainable Energy for All operations under its Public Sector and Trade Fi- on OFID and Energy In 2010, the 65th UN General Assembly declared nance portfolio. He also highlighted OFID’s re- Poverty Alleviation: 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable En- cently-signed Memorandums of Understand- www.se4all.org; ergy for All in recognition that “access to afford- ing with development partners such as the www.un.org/en/sefa; able modern energy services is essential for sus- Asian Development Bank, the International www.ofid.org. tainable development and for the achievement Fund for Agricultural Development and the of the Millennium Development Goals.” This World Bank, with the view to focusing future year, along with the Rio+20 Summit, is being re- collaboration on energy access. ferred to by Mr. Ban as a “historic opportunity” In June, an OFID delegation actively par- to place the issue of universal access at the fore- ticipated in the Vienna Energy Forum 2011, ad- front of the international agenda. He has called dressing the first High-Level Panel on Paving on all partners to take bold action. the Way for Universal Energy Access and the Until impoverished populations have en- panel on financing universal energy access. In hanced access to affordable and reliable sources November, OFID will host the 2nd IEF (Interna- of energy, there is little chance they will be tional Energy Forum) – OFID Symposium in able to change their situation. Those residing Energy Poverty that will discuss, among other in remote, rural areas are the most vulnerable topics, how universal access to modern energy as the majority of them depend on agriculture can be achieved by 2030 and mechanisms for for sustenance and livelihood and are unable financing energy access for the poor, as well as to enjoy the benefits of electricity-powered transferring local, national and regional expe- technologies, such as modern irrigation sys- riences in combating energy poverty to other tems and food processing and cold storage regions. equipment that would enable them to boost In keeping with its pledge to step up its as- yields and enhance food security. sistance to energy-related projects, OFID’s Governing Board has this year approved a OFID’s commitment toward number of public sector loans to help bolster energy poverty alleviation the energy sectors in various countries in The alleviation of energy poverty is a priority Africa, Asia and Latin America, and more are in area for OFID, which, together with much of the pipeline. In 2010, almost a quarter of the global community, considers universal en- OFID’s commitments went to 18 energy-re- ergy access to be the “missing ninth” MDG. lated projects in 11 countries, most of them in Since the Third OPEC Summit in November Africa, where energy poverty is the most se- 2007 and the subsequent Solemn Declaration vere. The operations financed support a mix of encouraging efforts in this regard, OFID has energy sources, including renewables. earmarked additional resources for the energy OFID is also forging new partnerships with sector. It also has assumed a key role in the in- the energy industry, such as one with the Shell ternational Energy for the Poor Initiative, Foundation, a charitable institution that will, in which was launched in June 2008 to provide a collaboration with the social enterprise d.light, structured and unified response to the problem supply solar lanterns to thousands of the poor of energy poverty. in remote, rural regions in Kenya and Tanzania. OFID has maintained its contribution to This represents the first grant approved under a the global energy poverty dialogue via involve- new Energy Poverty Grant Program, which was ment in a number of high-level events. In April approved by OFID’s Ministerial Council in June 2011, the institution hosted the Crans Mon- 2011 and set up specifically to channel financ- tana Forum’s High-level Panel Energy Poverty – ing to grassroots energy schemes.

44 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

World Water Week, 2011

Over 2,500 delegates gathered in Stockholm, Sweden, August 21-27, 2011 for World Water Week (WWW), an annual focal point for global water and related issues since 1991. Hosted and organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the theme of this year’s WWW was Responding to Global Changes: Water in an Urbanising World. by Fatimah Zwanikken

R apid urbanization, population Urban growth control adequate sanitation facilities, and 141 mil- growth, and competition for scarce Few cities currently control urban growth lion urban dwellers do not have access to resources are expected to put mounting through adequate planning of both for- safe drinking water. Inadequate waste-wa- pressures on cities. Accordingly, sound mal and informal settlements, and invest- ter treatment and sanitation in turn urban management and planning will be ments in water infrastructure generally causes water-borne diseases and epi- increasingly important for the well-being have not kept up with the pace of urban- demics such as diarrhoea, malaria and of citizens of large cities, or cities with isation. As a result, urban growth in most cholera, with diarrhoea causing over two more than 20 million inhabitants. Today, developing countries goes hand in hand million preventable deaths annually more than half of humanity lives in urban with the expansion of slums, and the among children under five years old. areas, a number set to rise to 70 percent as deepening of poverty and increase in dis- Unless urban water management the world population swells from seven eases. More than 800 million people to- and infrastructure adapt, demand for billion by end-October 2011 to 9.1 billion day live in slums, where resources allo- fresh water could exceed supply by as in 2050. Most of this growth will take cated to waste-water treatment and much as 40 percent by 2030. Massive ur- place in the developing countries, where sanitation are largely insufficient. One ban expansion will put rising pressure on some five million people join the urban out of four urban residents, 794 million scarce water resources and could cause a population each month. people in total, does not have access to breakdown in basic services, leaving

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 45 PHOTO: THOMAS HENRIKSON/SIWI

2011 World Water Week Opening Plenary – Panel discussion. Right to left: Mr. Anders Berntell, Executive Director, SIWI; Dr. Sheela Patel, Chair of Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI); Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme; and Prof. Stepgen R. Carpenter, 2011 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate. many people without basic fresh water and itation and modern energy services by the year sanitation facilities. Besides posing a major 2030“. More specifically, local, urban and na- threat to public health, this could hamper eco- tional governments are called upon to adopt nomic growth and development, and create so- targets to achieve a 20 percent efficiency in- cial and geo-political tensions in urban areas of crease in water use and re-cycling in agricul- both mature and developing economies. ture, the food supply-chain and energy produc- Since water, food and energy security are tion, as well as a 20 percent decrease in water intrinsically related, fresh water scarcity will pollution by 2020. For solutions to be have a profound impact on food and energy se- curity. Climate-change-induced floods and Kuala Lumpur sustainable, it would droughts will further exacerbate these trends. Means to improve urban water management be helpful if water At the same time, in a world where cities have will be further discussed at the second biennial management sought become the centres of knowledge, creativity, International Water Association (IWA) Develop- to meet the needs of the economic growth and wealth, these challenges ment Congress and Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, present without provide vast opportunities for innovation, effi- November 21-24, 2011. The Congress and Exhi- compromizing the ability ciency gains, improved service delivery and bition is co-sponsored by OFID. The main ob- business creation. jective of the Congress, which convenes under of future generations to For solutions to be sustainable, urban wa- the theme ‘Pioneering Water Solutions in Urban- meet their own needs. ter management must strive to meet the needs ising Areas’, is to help communities and water of the present without compromizing the abil- professionals in urban areas of developing ity of future generations to meet their needs. countries “to meet the unprecedented chal- This entails the responsibility to avoid down- lenges of delivering safe and affordable water stream pollution and environmental degrada- and sanitation services through innovative and tion by protecting and restoring the rural eco- collaborative solutions.” systems on which safe drinking water depends. To this effect, the Congress will focus on is- Cities are also advised to conduct “stress” tests sues ranging from appropriate technology solu- to assess future risk and prepare for population tions to financial mechanisms and capacity increases. building for water cycle management. More WWW 2011 concluded with the „Stock- specifically, the Congress will foster in-depth holm Statement to the 2012 United Nations Con- debates on innovative solutions at the frontier ference on Sustainable Development in Rio de of water and sanitation management and urban Janeiro (Rio+20 Summit), to be held in Brazil, development; enable new partnerships across June 4-6, 2012. The Statement calls on global geographical boundaries and areas of expert- leaders participating in the Rio+20 Summit to ise; provide access to the latest best-practice ex- deliver a new model of human and economic periences and scientific findings; catalyse new development that could achieve „universal pro- insights and foresight through the exchange of visioning of safe drinking water, adequate san- ideas, and share lessons learned.

46 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

From Deauville to Busan: strengthening support for the MENA Region

Representatives of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and international and regional development financing institutions (IFIs) – including OFID – joined the Finance Ministers of the Group of Seven (G-7) industria- lized nations plus Russia (G-8) in the southern French port city of Marseille, France, September 10, 2011 to discuss means to broaden and speed up implementation of the Deauville Partnership.

he Deauville Partnership was estab- In Deauville, a US$38 billion package was Assistance from the international com- T lished at the May 2011 G-8 Summit agreed upon to assist countries in transi- munity could come in many forms. In to support countries of the MENA region tion achieve macro-economic stability, addition to financial and technical sup- that are in the process of political, eco- sustainable and inclusive private sector- port, export products from the MENA re- nomic and financial transformation. This led growth and employment creation, gion could be granted greater access to process is being challenged by multiple in- and regional and global integration. The developed country markets in order to ternal and external pressures. A difficult G-8 offered US$20 billion in assistance encourage private sector- and export-led global economic environment, including through 2013 to selected countries, par- growth, and promote trade and invest- heightened financial risks and rising com- ticularly Tunisia and Egypt. This assis- ment flows. modity prices, as well as political change tance was matched by bilateral support In Marseille, OFID joined other IFI’s have contributed to a decline in economic from G-8 governments and regional and members of the international com- activity, tourism, and market confidence. donors and institutions, including the munity in a partnership framework The effect has also been seen in rising un- Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and aimed at amplifying and guaranteeing employment rates, particularly among the individual OFID Member Countries the assistance offered in Deauville. OFID youth, and restricted international trade Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, confirmed its commitment to increasing and investment flows. Kuwait, and Qatar. its financing operations in support

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 47 IFIs, including OFID, devised a partnership framework to amplify of the transition process, particularly in forthcoming Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid and guarantee the Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan. Besides Effectiveness (HLF-4), Busan, Korea, November assistance offered by the emergency humanitarian assistance, areas of 29 – December 1, 2011. The Forum, to be organ- international community collaboration will include support for eco- ized by the OECD Development Assistance in Deauville. nomic diversification through private sector- Committee (DAC), will provide an opportunity led growth and employment creation, trade fi- to strengthen collaboration between members nance, institutional capacity building and of the OECD/DAC, institutions of the Arab Co- technical assistance, social safety nets and ordination Group and other relevant partners on global and regional integration within the strategies and investment plans related to the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Deauville Partnership. and the Arab Customs Union. Furthermore, OFID will play an active To ensure the necessary harmonization role in the Deauville Partnership Coordination and effectiveness of the development co-oper- Platform. The objectives of the new platform ation provided, OFID will liaise with sister in- will be to facilitate information-sharing and stitutions and other international and regional mutual understanding among all parties agencies that pledged to broaden support for involved; to coordinate monitoring and re- the MENA region. These include the Interna- porting on implementation of the Deauville tional Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Partnership; and to identify opportunities for Group (IBRD), the African Development Bank, collaboration and joint action on both finan- (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), cial and technical assistance and policy and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Devel- analytical work. opment (AFSED), the Arab Monetary Fund The expectation is that coordinated (AMF), the European Bank for Reconstruction support by OFID and others will help transi- and Development (EBRD), the European In- tion economies of the MENA region achieve vestment Bank (EIB), and the Organization for the estimated 7.5 percent annual growth rate Economic Co-operation and Development that will be required to overcome high unem- (OECD). ployment, improve standards of living and Donor coordination and harmonization generate a prosperous future for people in the are expected to be further enhanced at the region.

48 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

More hands to serve the poor On business adaptation and Corporate Social Responsibility

by Ramine Samii

he private sector is a most impor- sumers, even in rural areas, could lead to bill and take on the challenge of address- T tant source of economic growth product innovation and new business ing the specificities of the BoP. There are and innovation. The sector controls models based on access, affordability and a number of actors who perform comple- much of the world’s human, financial availability transferable to urban areas mentary roles and activities to ensure the and technological resources and has and richer economies. Moreover, the BoP functioning of society. By entering into unique access to global natural resources. (apart from consisting of a vast market of partnerships with these institutions as It also is the sector that could have consid- micro-consumers) included, indeed, mi- well as governments, the corporate world erable adverse impact on society and the cro-producers and investors who, again can leverage its core competencies/re- environment. Thus, few governments or collectively and by adopting new busi- sources to increase the chances of sus- institutions could be indifferent to the ness models, could contribute to eco- tained success in these markets. trends prevailing and shaping the corpo- nomic growth. rate world. Prahalad’s view was that big corpora- OFID and the Corporate World Governments, through regulatory tions should tap into big opportunities; a Events shaping the thinking and opera- efforts, do what they can to contain what view that is aligned with the need to solve tions of the corporate world are of direct is sometimes seen as the undesirable ef- big problems. However, similar to many relevance to development finance institu- fects of the corporate world on society. other scholars, Prahalad recognized that, tions (DFIs) such as OFID, both from the Some governments try to level the play- regardless of the size of the corporation, institutional and the operational perspec- ing field to ensure fair and equitable com- none could single-handedly pick up the tive. From the institutional perspective, petition, treatment and behaviour. At the same time, some governments depend on the private sector for their revenues and increasingly on their technical and man- agerial expertise to implement and pro- vide vital services. Bottom of the Pyramid The economic fate of the poor often de- pends largely on how well corporate deci- sion-makers seize opportunities and can reframe challenges facing the world, turn- PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER JONES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM ing them into opportunities. As C.K. Pra- halad argued, given the size of the world’s poor – four billion – there was money to be made by serving the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BoP)1 or the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Not only did poor people collectively have spending power and could adopt new Joining hands, in social responsibility, technologies, but serving micro-con- to reframe challenges and turn them into opportunities. 1 The phrase ‘The forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid’ was first used by US President Franklin Roosevelt in 1932.

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 49 DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

for example, developments on the fi- service innovation that found its way off-grid electricity units that address the nancial markets have a direct impact on back to the developed economies. power needs of the semi-urban and rural financial resources. From the operational populations. Another example: a market perspective, as a DFI supporting private Corporate Social Responsibility leader in the water sector is working with sector development, OFID depends not For decades, for-profit corporations’ in- a number of entities with a view to iden- only on the risk appetite of the domestic volvement in social causes was limited in tifying a waste treatment technology and foreign private sector investors to in- scope and scale. At best, select corpora- that can address the triple need of small vest in underserved markets but also in tions made monetary contributions or es- rural communities in terms of access to their ability to bring appropriate products tablished family foundations (e.g. Ford, power, water and food security. These and business models to these markets. Kellogg and Rockefeller Foundations) to initiatives, apart from making an impact As an institution active in the private respond to social needs as they arose. Dur- on the BoP market, constitute valuable sector, OFID is witnessing growing inter- ing all this period, non-profit organiza- business experience and help deepen est from the corporate world in identify- tions such as OFID filled-in the gap and and develop new markets for the in- ing solutions to capture opportunities made the difference by being long-stand- volved market leader. and respond to challenges unique to the ing and reliable partners to countries and BoP. These solutions, which are ulti- communities they serve. Joining hands mately underpinned by the logic of sus- Today, the world is witnessing a new The non-profit world, conscious of the tainability and hence profit, fall under trend: More and more global companies complexities of issues on hand and in two headings: business adaptation as cap- are embedding the concept of sustainabil- the context of limited resources, sees the tured by Prahalad and corporate social re- ity and corporate social responsibility in benefits of accompanying profit making sponsibility. their key business decisions. Corporate corporations in their efforts to address leaders have taken social issues on board the unique needs of the “unserved” and Business adaptation and CSR has dramatically moved up on underserved. There is greater recogni- Those entrepreneurs and companies con- the agenda of enterprises. Corporations tion of the fact that a responsible mar- vinced that the BoP can be a source of are also looking closely at their product ket-driven paradigm to poverty allevia- revenue growth, greater efficiency and range, supply chains and business models tion – given the unique access of the innovation, have already adapted their to reduce adverse impact and they are en- private sector to resources – is the best products and business models to serve gaging in more creative ways in the reso- bet for identifying solutions that address the group. lution of social problems. the specific needs of entire populations One of the most documented and Among other approaches, under trapped in poverty. celebrated business model innovations/ their corporate social responsibility pro- At OFID, we are playing a catalyst product adaptation has been the advent grams, corporations with no readily role. OFID is ready to share the cost and of micro-finance institutions as pioneered available solution to the needs of the risk of commercial and technological in- by the Nobel Peace Laureate, Muhammad BoP, are partnering with the non-profit novation by supporting initiatives and Yunus. Through the Grameen Bank, world. Typically, they are investing seed impact investors that address the BoP Yunus, as early as the mid-1970s, reversed money in their core competencies to through grants and private sector win- the traditional banking business model. bring solutions in areas that can signifi- dows. Through its private sector win- Instead of extending loans to male urban cantly improve the lives of the poor. For dow, OFID has supported micro-finance dwellers in a position to provide collat- taking a business approach to address a institutions and mobile companies in eral, the Grameen Bank extends loans pri- social need, these companies are typi- partner countries and is actively address- marily to women in rural areas without cally referred to as ‘impact investors’. An ing energy needs in rural and semi-ur- requiring any collateral. example: a market leader in the power ban areas. OFID is equally playing an ad- Another well-known example is the sector sets up a private equity fund vocacy role by encouraging market introduction of pre-paid cards by mobile which it intends to support (on a pro leaders with complementary core com- companies in emerging markets to tap bono basis) through advisory services of petencies required by BoP to join their into the vast aggregate purchasing power its regular staff. The fund aims to invest efforts in identifying integrated solu- and need of the BoP to be connected; a in locally developed small on-grid and tions to community needs.

50 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 MEMBER STATES FOCUS

IR Iran exhibits arts and craft at OFID by Mojgan Sanandaji

he Islamic Republic of Iran, next in T line with its arts and culture at OFID in the continuing OFID in-house Exhibition Series on traditional works of Member- and Partner Countries, show- cased Traces of Iranian Art on Civilization, October 6-14. HE Dr. Ali Asghar Soltanieh and Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish wel- comed distinguished guests and dis- cussed both Series and Iranian accom- plishments in the realm of arts and craft. Dr. Soltanieh is Iran’s Ambassador to Aus- tria and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic to UN and other Inter- national Organizations in Vienna. The artwork on display at the Iran Exhibition covered a wide range of Iran- ian art forms – from tapestry to objects and jewellery. The OFID in-house exhibi- tion series aim at bringing the cultures of OFID nations and partner countries to communities of, and international visi- From right to left: HE Dr. Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of tors to, host-city Vienna, Austria, to build the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN and other International Organizations in Vienna; OPEC Secretary-General HE Mr. Abdalla Salem El-Badri; HRH Prince Mansour bin Khalid al Saud; further awareness and international un- and Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish. derstanding. Grasping full meaning the world, materially and morally. It is In the bejewelled land of Iran, the golden the spirit that celebrates God, and in the link of art and culture radiates from an- To write about the culture, literature and realms of Persian art rattles are not nec- cient to contemporary times. For cen- the art of a nation, or any other topic that essary. turies Iranian artists, with the love and deals with such great diversity necessi- Globally, IR Iran plays a significant with invigorating warmth to serve oth- tates several volumes to grasp the full role in the development of art. And the ers, continue to occupy a realm of capti- meaning. One can engage in a never-end- art of textile, particularly tapestry, occu- vation for Iranians and the rest of the ing quest, for the world is in constant pies an important place in Iranian Art. In- world. change, and history influences art and deed, when it comes to tapestry, there is Iranian Art is a “robust and ancient literature; while, to some extent, art and nowhere else in the world where the tree” that has its roots in the heart of the literature equally influence history. same intrinsic beauty, finesse, harmony Dasht-e Lut desert and branches reaching Art is hardly ever describing this ma- of colours and durability are reproduced. the peak of the Alburz Mountains. This terial world. It transcribes visual Even in other forms of Art, Iran offers giant tree has never let outside influence metaphors driven from literature and great masterpieces; and although com- dominate its core and at times has dis- this suffices to grasp the meaning. The plex and multifaceted, these never cease solved prevalent influences and grown poet as a prose writer says that “the sky is to fascinate. new branches with an Iranian identity. rugs, turquoise and gold”; and depending Art is drawn continually from het- Persian Carpets are works of splen- on the nature of light to which the poet erogeneous sources which, in turn, dour. Iranians consider Persian Carpets refers, the artist paints a sky in blue lapis, merge and translate into new forms and an essential part of their lives. There is blue turquoise or gold. Persian poetry is take on a Persian identity. Persian art, in no other object that occupies such im- more than literary ornaments of the its entire strand, has thus served as an in- portance in the Iranian household, mind. It expresses a way of perceiving spiration to other cultures. whether an old thorn or a valuable

OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 51 MEMBER STATES FOCUS

Persian world. According to “Carpet lovers and seekers’” the oldest rug, is Pazyryk Rug 200x183 dating to the Achae- manian Dynasty (330-553 BC) and is kept in the Leningrad Museum. It was during the Sassanid dynasty (224-641 AD) that the magnificent carpets were woven, one such splendour was the carpet in the au- dience hall of the kingdom of Khosrow of the Sassanid dynasty depicting a formal garden. The rug is made with silver and gold treads and jewels and was named “Bahare-Khosrow” (spring of Khosrow). Yet another magnificent work of tapestry is the “Shirin Carpet of Ardebil” made during the reign of the Safavid dynasty in the mid-16th century. This Carpet is, today, in the Victoria & Albert Museum of London. During the Safavid dynasty (1499- 1722) the art of calligraphy, tiling, paint- ing miniatures, architecture and carpet Items at the Iranian arts and crafts Exhibition; prominent among them, Persian carpets with their weaving approached its highest previous intrinsic beauty, finesse and harmony of line and color. level. It is during this period that Iranian golden-woven Carpets. It is universally designs on metal.” In the country, this art artist created designs that since have known that no country can reproduce has always been done with the invention been over and over emulated in many the same intrinsic beauty, finesse, har- and designs that are purely Iranian. For areas of the world, where the art of carpet mony of line and color which character- centuries Iranian masters have done en- weaving exists. The master weavers of the ize the Persian carpet. Compatriots Mrs. graving on different metals such as cop- Safavid Period created about 1,500 car- Nafar, Mr. Hassani, Mr. Dehgahi and Mr. per, brass, silver and gold. Engravers pets, some of which are today master- Ardehali, have selected, collected and apply different tools to varicoloured pieces. These are so sophisticated that prepared a unique exhibition of Persian beauty of designs. Engraving dates back since then only a fraction of the original rugs, from the traditional to the modern; to seven thousand years and in the pres- Safavid motives have been re-created. from the simplicity of town rugs and the ent time there are five thousand en- Calligraphy that reached its peak tribal gabeh to sophisticated designs of gravers in Iran particularly in Esfahan. during the reign of Safavid is carved in ghom, Esphana and Naiin. One of the artists on show at the steel, bronze, gold or ivory instead of on In the long and rich history of car- OFID Exhibition was Mansour Hafez- paper. It does not require much contem- pet making, the names of the weavers parast. Born in 1945 in Esfahan, he plation to realise that these writings on and designers of many masterworks are started learning the art of engraving on metals invoked a new spirit in the late simply lost in history; a painting may copper and brass at his father’s workshop 16th century and beyond. have a signature, while cornerstones when he was only about eight years old. The exhibition at OFID presented a have the name of the architects, but only He gradually learned more and improved few samples of the finest engraving that a few precious carpets come with the his skills with a lot of interest over the exist in the museum of Iran. The stun- name of their master designer and next 54 years. Today, he is one of the few ning costume Jewellery added another weaver. One of these masters is Ostad top artists in Iran in his field. He is cre- dimension. For centuries they have been Ressam Arabzadeh (1914-2006) whose ative in old and new styles and familiar regarded as an enhancement to the work was featured at the OFID Exhibi- with different engraving styles. Various beauty of the women of the country. tion. Ostad encouraged his students in pieces of his works are already in a few Clearly, Persian art in all its forms is sur- his workshop to weave his designs and to museums in Iran and abroad. rounded by a mystery that will perhaps pass their craft on to the next genera- The precise origin of carpets has al- never fully dissipate; a mystery that over tions. After his death in 2006, his sons ways been a question that no historian the centuries travellers have tried to un- and daughter have continued his legacy. has been able to fully answer, but no fold. Yet it is one of many factors that Also, the art of engraving is defined, place in the world has nurtured the craft have shaped the face of Iranian art as it in Iran, as “the art of craving delicate and the magic of carpet making than the appears today.

52 OFID QUARTERLY OCTOBER 2011 www.ofid.org

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